Island of Influencers

Funny, dramatic and sometimes dark, this thrilling YA novel is perfect for those who love a Black Mirror twist.

Harper wants to be an influencer. Badly. She’ll do anything to be like her famous Tubeify-star cousin, Bellee.

When Bellee is the latest victim in a string of influencer kidnappings, Harper discovers the kidnappings are fake – ‘victims’ are put on an island for a new reality show.

Island of Influencers pits the greatest internet talents against each other, and Harper is added at the last minute. With the constant pressure of a live audience judging their every move, it’s not long before cracks begin to appear in the influencers’ shiny veneers . . .

• The thrilling contemporary debut from Guppy Open Submission shortlistee T. M. Turner.
• A Hunger Games concept exploring the negatives and positives of internet culture and idol worship.
• Highly relatable for a YA market. Love them or loathe them, influencers are at the forefront of many young people’s internet experiences.

The Wilderness of Girls

While working in a nature reserve, Rhi stumbles upon a pack of wolves guarding four ‘wild’ girls, one of whom is injured. They explain they’re lost princesses raised by a dead man called Mother.

Shocked, Rhi takes them to hospital, all the while plagued by memories of her own family trauma. Surely, the girls have been abducted – misled – abused? And yet Rhi can see a special bond that blurs fantasy and reality.

As the media circus around them grows, Rhi and the girls must confront the demons of the past to decide on their future.

• An unflinching and ambitious novel by debut author Madeline Claire Franklin, an outstanding new talent.
• Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood.
• A gripping exploration of trauma and the pressures placed on young women in a modern society.

PRAISE FOR THE WILDERNESS OF GIRLS:

‘A compelling, thoughtful, and original debut.’ KIRKUS

‘Tender and raw, this debut isn’t afraid to dig into the agonizing interior lives of teen girls, the ways our world tries to break them, and the bonds they create to survive it.’ BOOKLIST

 

Mission: Manta Ray

Jurrasic Park meets Wimpy Kid, packed with humour, supsense and adventure!

Finn, Milo, and new girl, Tasi – together with Arty, the microraptor – are sent to investigate deep-sea disturbances.

Soon they are plunged into danger when their research ship is torpedoed by a vast submersible shaped like a manta ray.

Once again, the junior agents are face to face with an enemy that has bottomless ambition . . .

• The second in the all-action adventure series from Philip Kavvadias – with added environmental themes.
• Features brilliantly charming illustrations from Euan Cook throughout.

 

PRAISE FOR MISSION: MICRORAPTOR:

‘Fast, funny and fabulous.’ MAZ EVANS

‘It’s funny and fast-paced with more twists and turns than a microraptor in flight.’ MO O’HARA

The Zombie Project

The action-packed and horrorful zombie adventure from debut author Alice Nuttall, with an original environmental twist . . .

When the bees die out, a new pollinator arrives. Deathflies help grow crops but there’s a nasty side effect . . . zombies.

Laying their eggs in people, deathflies turn people into dangerous zombies when they die. But the world must adapt or there won’t be enough to eat.

Can Merian and her scientist mum convince others to save the zombies? Or will the big corporation succeed in convincing people to kill them? And just what does it mean when a docile zombie shows up?

• The action-packed debut novel of MSLexia Children’s and YA 2023 winner, Alice Nuttall.
• An original idea that turns the usual zombie story on its head – save the zombies, don’t kill them!
• With environmental themes packaged alongside age-appropriate horror and scares.

 

PRAISE FOR THE ZOMBIE PROJECT:

‘It’s really sparky – an original idea and an original talent. I liked the environmental message too’ CRESSIDA COWELL

The Notwitches

 

Hotel for Cats: No Room for Trouble

A charming Parisian animal story for ages 7 and up!

Help! Magda’s nephew Georges is coming to stay at the Hotel for Cats – and Mulot is terrified. When Georges last came to visit, he teased the poor cat so much that Mulot has developed a terrible phobia. His loyal friends, Bobine, Couscousse and Carpette, with the help of new cat Ciboulot, work on a plan to help their friend. But can he face his fear before Georges arrives?

• The second charming tale following the sweet and loveable group of feline friends.
• From the bestselling series, translated from the original French by Anna Brooke and with delightful illustrations throughout.
• Delightful and funny – a classic little gem for readers aged 7 and up.
• Perfect for fans of Paddington and Mango and Bambang.

 

PRAISE FOR HOTEL FOR CATS:

‘Voyelle’s enchanting illustrations bring extra life and laughter to Pavlenko’s gorgeous Gallic gem as the captivating cast of cats wend their witty and wicked way into every young reader’s heart!’ LANCASHIRE EVENING POST

Inkheart 4: The Colour of Revenge (HB)

Return to the world of INKHEART . . .

After five happy years, Meggie, her father Mo and the fire-eater Dustfinger, along with a host of new friends, feel safe and settled.

But arch-villain Orpheus has found an unexpected way to wreak his revenge on the Inkworld! He has corrupted an artist to create bewitched portraits that will see the heroes fade to grey.

Dustfinger, his brave stepson Jehan, and a striking young witch Lila, the Light Reader, must come together to find a way to save them all!

This is the Colour of Revenge . . .

• A brilliant new stand-alone novel that returns to the beloved world of the Inkheart trilogy – a series with worldwide sales of over 6 million copies.
• The Colour of Revenge is already a Spiegel number one bestseller in both adult and children’s lists in Cornelia’s native Germany.
• With gorgeous new illustrations from Cornelia Funke herself.

PRAISE FOR THE INKHEART SERIES: 

‘I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that conveys so well the joys, terrors and pitfalls of reading’ DIANA WYNNE JONES

‘… a rollicking good tale that pulls you swiftly through its pages.’ THE TELEGRAPH

 

The Great Phoenix of London

An exciting new middle-grade historical adventure from the bestselling author of Darwin’s Dragons.

London, 1666

When fire breaks out, eleven-year-old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. One of his few remaining possessions is a mysterious ball of rock that fell from the sky.

As he races to beat the inferno spreading across the city, neither he, nor his new friend Jennet, has any idea that the stone in his satchel is an unhatched bird of myth and fire. And that there are some who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a legendary phoenix . . .

• The fourth middle-grade historical adventure by hugely successful and critically acclaimed Lindsay Galvin.
• A unique spin on the infamous tragedy with Galvin’s original mix of mythology, history and science.
• The Great Fire of London is a favourite National Curriculum teaching topic.
• A touching animal friendship at the heart of the story.

Oh What a Knight!

Join the Gods Squad in the third and final hilarious new installment of the Oh Maya Gods series!

Vesper and Aster need Excalibur to save the world. At the top of Glastonbury Tor, they find an elevator down to the enchanted realm of Camelot, where Arthur has been waiting for this day.

The elderly King and his loyal knights snap to attention – at last they have a quest! But Excalibur will only serve its chosen master. What would anyone do with such power?

• The third and final instalment in the laugh-out-loud bestselling series.
• Over half a million copies of Maz’s books sold.
• Ties in neatly with KS2 curriculum as readers learn about mythology and Arthurian legend.
• Full of epic adventure and big laughs!

 

PRAISE FOR THE SERIES:

‘Proves again that Maz is one of the very finest storytellers we have.’ PHIL EARLE

‘Maz Evans reigns supreme as queen of godly comedy. Oh Maya Gods! is hilarious, whip-smart and full of heart.’ AISLING FOWLER

‘Hilarious with a bolt of genius – her best yet’ M. G. LEONARD

The Dark Within Us

The Dark Within Us brings an inventive, funny and quirky reimagining of a modern version of hell.

When homeless schoolgirl, Jenny, meets demon, Luc, they make a dangerous pact. Both have been scarred by the same childhood event – the day Jenny’s soul was stolen by Luc’s father.

Now Luc has promised to return it, but can a demon be trusted? Jenny must find the courage to follow Luc into Hell and save him from the darkness that waits.

• The stunning debut novel from the Times/Chicken House Children’s Competition 2022 Chairman’s Choice Prize winner, Jess Popplewell.
• Draws on the author’s own experience of homelessness, making this a powerful authentic story.
• Dante’s Inferno meets Euphoria in this fresh contemporary YA.

Auntie Medusa and Me

An action-packed, laugh-out-loud funny Greek mythology adventure from the author of My Family and Other Romans!

Hiya! I’m Silvia, an ordinary kid just like you.

At least, I was ordinary until I wound up in Ancient Rome as a demi-goddess. Yeah, that took me by surprise too.

But seriously, travelling back in time is nothing compared to what’s happening now: Medusa the gorgon wants her head back – and she’s chosen me to find it!

• Packed full of Roman and Ancient Greek mythology – as you’ve never seen it before!
• A laugh-out-loud funny family caper full of excitement and heart: perfect for fans of Loki, Horrible Histories and Who Let the Gods Out? 
• Readers will go on a time-travel adventure – with a LARPing twist
• Perfect for ages 8 and up; sure to be a hit with KS2 readers, as Romans are a staple on the curriculum

 

PRAISE FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHER ROMANS:

‘Perfect funny escapism with added Roman mythology … Charming and mischievous!’ LOUIE STOWELL, author of LOKI

‘Full of fun and adventure, this time-travel tale will show you the Romans as you’ve never imagined them before.’ THE WEEK JUNIOR

‘Pure chaotic hilarity’ S. J. WILLS

Aliya Aboard the Time Train

The spectacular sequel to Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy Aliya to the Infinite City. 

When sinister magic threatens Aliya’s world once more, she is sent away on a school trip for her own safety aboard the time-travelling Silver Express.

But what is supposed to be an educational journey through Egyptian history becomes a deadly race to save it from evil time-twister and master of disguise, Dorian Darke.

• A stunning adventure story for readers aged 9 and up 
• Book 1 was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2021
• For fans of Nura and the Immortal Palace and The Kingdom Over the Sea

 

PRAISE FOR ALIYA TO THE INFINITE CITY:

‘An epic adventure packed with richness, history and a brilliant new magical school!’ ZOHRA NABI, Author of The Kingdom Over the Sea

Annie Leblanc Is Not Dead Yet

An unforgettable new contemporary story from major YA talent and author of This is Not the End, Molly Morris.

Every ten years in Wil’s home town of Lennon, California, one person is brought back to life for thirty days.

Wil brings back her ex-best friend Annie LeBlanc. Wil’s ecstatic – who cares that Annie stopped speaking to her before she died?

Discovering a loophole that means Annie can stay alive, Wil has one summer to make things work. But first, Wil might have to face some difficult truths about their past friendship.

• Addressing healthy friendship and friendship break-ups in a clever, witty and relatable way.
• Perfect for fans of contemporary YA with a speculative edge such as The Rest of Us Just Live Here.

PRAISE FOR THIS IS NOT THE END:

‘The novel explores challenging themes with a lightness of touch’ THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

Nush and the Stolen Emerald

A stunning new historical children’s novel from Costa Award-winning author of Asha & the Spirit Bird.

Nush is maharani of an Indian kingdom. The British East India Company has already taken land and their most divine jewel – an emerald the size of a small apple.

When the Maharajah decides to go to England to ask Queen Victoria for help, Nush stows away on her father’s ship.

This is her moment to shine – and bring back the emerald that will heal the kingdom . . .

• A fabulous new historical direction from Costa-winning and Waterstones-shortlisted author, Jasbinder Bilan.
• Themes of colonialism and identity, mixed with an action-packed royal mystery.

PRAISE FOR JASBINDER BILAN:

‘A light-filled, huge-hearted delight’ KATHERINE RUNDEL  

‘Atmospheric, dreamy, charged with wonder and menace, loss, sorrow and delight’ TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 

‘Beautifully written, richly atmospheric and touchingly spiritual’ DAILY MAIL

The Island at the Edge of Night

A twisty-turny shadowy mystery from highly-acclaimed and Waterstones Prize-shortlisted author Lucy Strange. 

Abandoned at a boarding school on a wild and remote island, Faye Fitzgerald discovers that she and the other pupils have been sent there for doing something wicked.

But what is it that Faye has done?

She might be bold enough to tackle the sinister mysteries of the island, but has she the courage to face the secrets deep within herself?

A stunning new tale from the Queen of Gothic, Lucy Strange – author of The Secret of Nightingale Wood, Sisters of the Lost Marsh, The Ghost of Gosswater and the Waterstones Prize-shortlisted Our Castle by the Sea

A masterful blend of thrilling Gothic mystery, a touch of magical realism and stunning writing, all wrapped up in a twisty-turny plot

Perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Emma Carroll

A Ship in the Dark

A stunning adventure from the Branford Boase Award-shortlisted author of The Map of Leaves.

Anna lives on remote Windrose Island, caring for its birds.

When her stepfather Caleb is arrested for smuggling, she must prove his innocence. The truth may lie on board the Albatross, a missing whaler.

Anna and her friend Mina travel the high seas to find the lost ship before ruthless Society Man, Bartholomew Rime…

But without a map, only migrating birds and the song of whales can show the way.

 

• A stunning new novel from the author of The Map of Leaves, shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2023
• A masterfully-written, classic literary adventure with themes of female empowerment
• For fans of The Girl of Ink & Stars and The Lost Whale

Ajay and the Treasure of Thar

Ajay and his friends are back in a third adventure! 

When eight-year-old Kai – custodian of a legendary treasure map – asks the Mumbai Sun team for help, Ajay knows he has landed on his next story.

The team is propelled into a journey through the Blue City of Jodhpur, to the temples of Ranakpur, and the desert city of Jaisalmer.

But a dastardly billionaire treasure hunter has heard of the map too . . .

• The third story in the critically acclaimed series which began with Ajay and the Mumbai Sun – shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2023 and winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition
• A series of truth, friendship and determination set in modern-day India
• Wonderfully illustrated by Sònia Albert and starring a lovable ensemble cast of characters 

Three Cheers for the River School

A delightful boarding school adventure set in Nigeria – the third novel in critically acclaimed trilogy.

It’s a new school year and Jummy is looking forward to playing football – but then the new head teacher decides to ban it!

Instead, the girls must host an inter-school music festival that the rival boys’ school is likely to win.

With River School pride at stake, Jummy and her team must come up with a new game plan – and fast.

• A characterful own-voices story and the third novel in the critically acclaimed trilogy.
• Jummy at the River School was chosen as the BA Indie Book of the Month and the Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Month.
• A glorious collision of old-fashioned boarding-school tropes with vibrant 1990s Nigeria.

Oh Mummy Mia!

Join the Gods Squad in Ancient Egypt in the new hilarious adventure from the bestselling author of the Who Let the Gods Out series!

The Gods Squad is back!

Seth, the Egyptian god of war, has kidnapped Ra, the sun god – and now Earth is on the brink of total destruction.

It’s up to Vesper and Aster to bravely descend to the Egyptian underworld to find Ra and save the world … again.

Enemies old and new are gathering to defeat them, but how many lives do Vesper and Aster have left?

• The second story in superstar author Maz Evans’s hilarious series, which started with Oh Maya Gods!
• As well as a brand-new Gods Squad led by Vesper and Aster, your favourite characters from the bestselling Who Let the Gods Out? series are back
• Book 2 of 3 in a superlative new spin-off series of mythological baddies – this time in Ancient Egypt

Mission: Microraptor

Two boys and a microraptor. A dark, mysterious forest. And a squad of army-trained mercenaries searching for them. What could possibly go wrong?

Falling behind their classmates on a school trip to the Alps, Finn and Milo stumble upon an egg buried in ice.

Later that night it hatches and a 65-million-year-old baby is born: Arty is a microraptor brought back from extinction.

But keeping her safe proves harder. Wicked scientists will do anything to get their hands on her, and soon Finn and Milo must run for their lives …

• The first in an thrilling new series of all-action environmental adventures – with added dinosaurs!
• A super-cool debut voice in middle-grade; think Jurassic Park meets Wimpy Kid with a dash of Alex Rider
• Packed full of humour, action and adventure – with survival skills and a dinosaur friend called Arty!
• Features brilliantly charming illustrations from Euan Cook throughout