Blue Peter Book Awards. Winners. Shortlists.

The Blue Peter Book Awards are a series of literary prizes for children's literature awarded annually by the BBC television programme Blue Peter, and inaugurated in 2000. An overall award, The Blue Peter Book of the Year, is selected from the winners of three categories: "The Book I Couldn't Put Down", "The Best Book with Facts", and "The Best Illustrated Book to Read Aloud".:

2008 Shortlists | 2007 | Past Winners 2000 - 2006

The 2007 Blue Peter Book of the Year was The Outlaw Varjak Paw by S. F. Said illustrated by Dave McKean. The book also won The Book I Couldn't Put Down Category

The other 2007 winners Most Fun Story With Pictures : You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! by Andy Stanton and David Tazzyman: Best Book with Facts: The Worst Children's Jobs in History by Tony Robinson.

The awards are administered by Booktrust.

Children and Educational Books at Borders |Children's books at Foyles | Children's Books at Amazon | Blue Peter Shortlist @ Literary Awards Bookshop

2008 Blue Peter Short List

10th November- London Tim Levell, Editor of Blue Peter had this to say about this years short list. "I've laughed, cried, and bitten my nails through this year's crop of children's books. The standard was incredibly high, particularly in the Book I Couldn't Put Down category, and finding just nine books for our young judges to read was very tough. But this is a very varied and inspirational shortlist, and the real excitement now is in seeing what our young judges will choose as winners. The adult judges can only ever second-guess what children will like most, and every year, once the children make their decision, their choices always seem absolutely spot-on."

The winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards will be announced in the spring of 2009, to coincide with World Book Day. Booktrust was awarded administration for the Blue Peter Book Awards in May 2008.

The shortlist is:

Best Book With Facts:

Archaeology Detectives - by Simon Adams (Oxford University Press)

100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet - by Anna Claybourne (A&C Black)

Horrible Geography Handbooks: Planet in Peril - by Anita Ganeri, illustrated by Mike Phillips (Scholastic)

Book I Couldn't Put Down:

Abela: The Girl Who Saw Lions- by Berlie Doherty (Andersen Press)

Shadow Forest - by Matt Haig (Corgi)

Foul Play (Football Detective) - by Tom Palmer (Puffin)

Most Fun Story with Pictures:

Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear - by Andy Stanton, illustrated by David Tazzyman (Egmont)

Fleabag - by Helen Stephens (Alison Green Books)

Lost! The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog - by Jeremy Strong (Puffin Books)

Best Book With Facts:
*Archaeology Detectives* - by Simon Adams (Oxford University Press) Archaeology Detectives shows young readers how archaeologists interpret a wide range of evidence to put together pictures of vanished civilizations How do we know what ancient Athens was like or how the Aztecs lived? This question is fully answered by Archaeology Detectives, which tells the story of how archaeologists in the past two hundred years have gradually deciphered some of the world's most fascinating ancient sites. It takes the reader on the journey from initial discovery of specific sites or monuments to contemporary understanding of the civilizations that built them. This book links archaeological techniques with stories of how pioneers deciphered real sites, describing the thrilling process of analysis, frustrations, breakthroughs, and luck. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet - by Anna Claybourne (A&C Black) In this exciting book, children learn how to face and survive theworld's most dangerous situations. From natural disasters and wildweather, to getting lost in the wild and fighting off dangerousanimals,readers learn the skills needed to combat 100 real life dramas. Each danger is rated in terms of how likely you are to meet it, and howlikely you are to survive, from the unlikely event of an asteroid strike or bear attack (minimal chance of survival) to the morelikely event and maximum chance of surviving a flood or forest fire.A concluding spread provides at-a-glance safety dos and don'ts and essential first aid advice. About the Author Anna Claybourne is the author of numerous books on the natural world for young readers, including the Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of Planet Earth, the Survival Skills Handbook and many more Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers
Horrible Geography Handbooks: Planet in Peril - by Anita Ganeri, illustrated by Mike Phillips (Scholastic) The next title in the colour Horrible Geography Handbooks series. From climate change to carbon footprints How to Save the Planet is a Horribly useful guide the environmental issues children are most concerned about and offers oodles of ideas of things readers can do to help to save the planet. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to to
Book I Couldn't Put Down:
Abela: The Girl Who Saw Lions- by Berlie Doherty (Andersen Press)Waterstone's Online review The story is intensely moving and gripping--when I was half-way through I just couldn't put it down and read solidly until I got to the end!' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Publishing News, 27th April 2007 'Touching and well-told story' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. PHILIP PULLMAN, Guardian `Doherty's strength has always been her emotional honesty' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Book Description Much-awaited paperback publication of this topical and heart-warming book. From the Publisher Beautifully written, ABELA recalls classic Berlie Doherty titles, such as DEAR NOBODY and CHILDREN OF WINTER. Painstaking research makes this a highly authentic read - even the poignant cover photograph was taken by the author herself in Tanzania. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
Shadow Forest - by Matt Haig (Corgi)Samuel Blink is the hero of this story, but he doesn't know it yet. Right now, he and his sister Martha are in the back of his parents car. He has no idea a giant log is about to fall from the sky and change his life forever. He doesn't know that he and Martha will be forced to move to Norway and eat their Aunt Eda's smelly brown cheese. He hasn't the slightest clue Martha will disappear into Shadow Forest. A forest full of one-eyed trolls, the sinister huldre-folk, deadly Truth Pixies and a witch who steals shadows. A forest ruled by the evil Changemaker. A forest so dangerous that people who enter never return. No. Samuel Blink doesn't know any of this. So don't tell him. It might ruin the book... From the Inside Flap Samuel Blink is the hero of this story, but he doesn't know it yet. Right now, he and his sister, Martha, are in the back of his parents' car. He has no idea that a giant log is about to fall from the sky and change his life for ever. He doesn't know that he and Martha will be forced to move to Norway and eat their Aunt Edna's smelly brown cheese. He hasn't the slightest clue Martha will disappear into Shadow Forest. A forest full of one-eyed trolls, the sinister huldre-folk, deadly truth pixies and a witch who steals shadows. A forest ruled by the evil Changemaker. A forest so dangerous that people who enter never return. No. Samuel Blink doesn't know any of this. So don't tell him. It might ruin the book . . . --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Foul Play (Football Detective) - by Tom Palmer (Puffin) The Times, June 14th 2008 "an excellent fast-paced detective novel" Sunday Times, May 4th 2008 "written accessibly and with a light touch, this is the kind of story to appeal to reluctant readers as well as established readers - and their fathers too. The first of a Football Detective series, it scores with the precision of a Ronaldo free kick" (Children's Book of the Week) Sunday Telegraph, 29th June 2008 "Credited with turning book-phobic boys into page-turning maniacs" (one of their 50 of the best holiday reads for 2008) Financial Times, 10th June 2008 "thoughtful, straightforward prose" Crime thriller meets football fiction in this explosive, exciting first book in a brand new series for readers aged 10+. Danny is obsessed with two things: football – especially City Football Club – and investigating crimes. So when England and City footballing hero Sam Roberts is reported missing the day after Danny saw him being taken, blindfolded, into the bowels of the City FC stadium late at night, he's determined to get to the bottom of it. But is Danny getting into something he can't handle? About the Author As well as being a huge football fan, Tom Palmer has an international reputation in reader development. He is a coordinator of the Reading Partners consortium, works with The Reading Agency, Booktrust and the National Literacy Trust, and has been the official writer for the Premier League Reading Stars scheme for five years. He also teaches annually for the Arvon Foundation, and has travelled around the world to train librarians and teachers in techniques to encourage boys to read. This is his first book for Puffin. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
Most Fun Story with Pictures:
Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear - by Andy Stanton, illustrated by David Tazzyman (Egmont) Review "'Smooky palooki! This book is well brilliant! Andy Stanton is far too clever and funny and should be locked away in a very dark place that nobody can find.' Jeremy Strong; 'A wickedly entertaining story' Bookseller; 'Andy Stanton accumulates silliness and jokes in an irresistible, laughter-inducing romp' The Sunday Times; 'Worryingly splendid' Guardian; 'A riotous read' Sunday Express; 'Designed to tickle young funny bones' Glasgow Herald; 'Cranks up children's storytelling conventions to hilarious extremes' Jewish Chronicle." Mr Gum returns in the fifth shamelessly hilarious book...Good evening. Do you like bears called Padlock? Course you do. Do you like hot-air balloons? Course you do. Do you like tall sailing ships with mad sea captains, and horrifying old villains and words like 'wab!', 'tungler' and 'kelp'? COURSE you do! Well, guess what, you lucky little nibbleheads? This book's got all of those things - and a lot more besides. It's a rollicker! It's a frolicker! It's a funtime sun-time yollicker! So what you waiting for? Get reading! Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
*Fleabag* - by Helen Stephens (Alison Green Books) There was once a dog who had no name, and he had no home. What he did have was fleas, but they weren't much company. The dog longs for a family. At last he sees one that looks just right - with a brother and sister to play with him. He follows them around everywhere but they shoo him away. It's not till the little boy runs away from home, that Fleabag (as they call him) can finally win his way into their hearts - and home. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
*Lost! The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog* - by Jeremy Strong (Puffin Books) Review 'Few children's writers succeed in combining irresistibly rude jokes, witty repartee, and a robust plot with a genuine and considered emotional core' Guardian 'Hilariously funny, this will have you laughing your socks off' Guardian Children's Supplement The FOURTH hysterically funny adventure about Streaker, the bestselling Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog. Streaker the dog is lost. And not just a bit lost, but REALLY LOST! It wasn't even her fault.! She wanted to protect some pies from the PIE ROBBER and suddenly she's miles from home and two-legged Trevor and she has to make friends with a cat. A CAT! But it gets a lot hairier when they find themselves face-to-face with a baboon . . . For the first time ever, Streaker tells her incredible adventures in her own words – and very funny words they are too. Rowan Clifford's illustrations add to the chaotic fun. About the Author Jeremy Strong used to be a primary school headteacher before he became a full-time writer. He won the Children's Book Award in 1997 with The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog and is immensely popular with children. He lives in Wiltshire. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers

Winners Blue Peter Awards 2007

2007 sf_said

* Book of the Year: The Outlaw Varjak Paw by S. F. Said (left), illustrated by Dave McKean
o Most Fun Story With Pictures: You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! by Andy Stanton and David Tazzyman
o Best Book with Facts: The Worst Children's Jobs in History by Tony Robinson
o Book I Couldn't Put Down: The Outlaw Varjak Paw by S. F. Said, illustrated by Dave McKean

2007 Shortlist

Most Fun Story with Pictures:
o Melrose and Croc: Together at Christmas (Melrose & Croc) by Emma Chichester Clark
o Charlie Cook's Favourite Book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
oYou're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum! by Andy Stanton and David Tazzyman
*Best Book with Facts:
o Why Is Snot Green?: The Science Museum Question and Answer Book (Science Museum Q & a Book) by Glenn Murphy
o The Worst Children's Jobs in History by Tony Robinson
o A Little Guide to Wild Flowers by Charlotte Voake
The Book I Couldn't Put Down:
o Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
o The Bad Spy's Guide by Pete Johnson
o The Outlaw Varjak Paw by S. F. Said, illustrated by Dave McKean

Blue Peter Winners 2000 - 2006

2006.

* Book of the Year: Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins)
o Best Illustrated Book to Read Aloud:Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins)
o Best Book with Facts: Spud Goes Green by Giles Thaxton (Egmont)
o Book I Couldn't Put Down: Blood Fever (Young Bond S.) by Charlie Higson (Puffin)

2005 michael_morpurgo

* Book of the Year: Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo (right) (Collins)
o Best Illustrated Book to Read Aloud: The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Macmillan)
o Best Book with Facts: Explorers Wanted!: At the North Pole (Explorers Wanted) by Simon Chapman (Egmont)
o Book I Couldn't Put Down:Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo (Collins)

2004

* Book of the Year: Man on the Moon by Simon Bartram (left)(Templar)
o simon_bartram Best Illustrated Book to Read Aloud: Man on the Moon by Simon Bartram (Templar)
o Best Book with Facts: The Ultimate Book Guide edited by Daniel Hahn (A and C Black)
o Book I Couldn't Put Down: Montmorency by Eleanor Updale (Scholastic)

2003

* Book of the Year: Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve (Scholastic)
o Best Book to Read Aloud: Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Macmillan)
o Best Book with Facts: Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter by Richard Platt, illustrated by Chris Riddell (Walker)
o Book I Couldn't Put Down: Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve (Scholastic)

2002 nicky_singer

* Book of the Year: Feather Boy by Nicky Singer (right) (Collins)
o Best Book to Read Aloud: Crispin the Pig Who Had It All by Ted Dewan (Random House)
o Best New Information Book: Ada Lovelace: The Computer Wizard of Victorian England (Who Was...?) by Lucy Lethridge
o Book I Couldn't Put Down: Feather Boy by Nicky Singer (Collins)
* Voter's Awards:
o Best Storybook: The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson (Yearling)
o Best Book With Facts In: The Terrible Tudors (Horrible Histories) (Horrible Histories) (Horrible Histories) by Terry Deary, illustrated by Martin Brown (Scholastic)

2001

* Book of the Year: The Wind Singer (Wind on Fire Trilogy) by William Nicholson (Egmont)
o Best Book to Read Aloud: The Bravest Ever Bear by Allan Ahlberg and Paul Howard (Walker)
o Book I Couldn't Put Down: The Wind Singer (Wind on Fire Trilogy) by William Nicholson (Egmont)
o Best Book to Keep Forever: The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean (Oxford University Press)
* Voters' Awards:
o Best Storybook: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Book 1) by J. K. Rowling (Bloomsbury)
o Best Book of Knowledge: The Rotten Romans (Horrible Histories) (Horrible Histories) (Horrible Histories) by Terry Deary (Scholastic)

2000

* Book of the Year: A Pilgrim's Progress (Classic Stories) retold by Geraldine McCaughrean (below left), g_mccuaghren illustrated by Jason Cockcroft (Hodder)
o Special Book to Keep Forever: A Pilgrim's Progress (Classic Stories) retold by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Jason Cockcroft (Hodder)
o Book I Couldn't Put Down: Shadow of the Minotaur (Legendeer Trilogy Series) by Alan Gibbons (Orion)
o Best Book to Read Aloud: The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Macmillan)
* Voters' Awards:
o Best Book With Facts In It: Guinness World Records 2000 (Guinness)
o Book that Made Me Laugh the Loudest: Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Puffin)
o Best Book to Share: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J. K. Rowling (Bloomsbury)

Blue Peter Shortlists 2000 - 2006

2007

* Most Fun Story with Pictures:
o Melrose and Croc Together at Christmas by Emma Chichester Clark
o Charlie Cook's Favourite Books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
o You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum by Andy Stanton and David Tazzyman
* Best Book with Facts:
o Why is Snot Green? by Glenn Murphy
o The Worst Children's Jobs in History by Tony Robinson
o A Little Guide to Wild Flowers by Charlotte Voake
* The Book I Couldn't Put Down:
o Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
o The Bad Spy's Guide by Pete Johnson
o The Outlaw Varjak Paw by S. F. Said, illustrated by Dave McKean

2006

* Best Illustrated Book to Read Aloud:
o Traction Man is Here by Mini Grey
o Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins)
o Guess Who's Coming for Dinner by John Kelly and Cathy Tincknell
* Best Book with Facts:
o Connor's Eco Den by Pippa Goodhart
o Poo by Nicola Davies and Neal Layton
o Spud Goes Green by Giles Thaxton (Egmont)
* Book I Couldn't Put Down:
o GRK and the Pelotti Gang by Joshua Doder
o Blood Fever by Charlie Higson (Puffin)
o The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo

2005

* Best Illustrated Book to Read Aloud:
o The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Macmillan)
o Biscuit Bear by Mini Grey (Red Fox)
o Aristotle by Dick King-Smith, illustrated by Bob Graham (Walker)
o Rapunzel: A Groovy Fairy Tale retold by Lynn Roberts, illustrated by David Roberts (Chrysalis)
* Best Book with Facts:
o Explorers Wanted! At the North Pole by Simon Chapman (Egmont)
o What's My Family Tree? by Mick Manning, illustrated by Brita Granström (Watts)
o Art Fraud Detective by Anna Nilsen, illustrated by Andy Parker (Kingfisher)
o Rome in spectacular cross-section by Andrew Solway, illustrated by Stephen Biesty (Oxford University Press)
* Book I Couldn't Put Down:
o Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Macmillan)
o SilverFin by Charlie Higson (Puffin)
o Thora by Gillian Johnson (Hodder)
o Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo (Collins)

2004

* Best Illustrated Book to Read Aloud:
o The Woman Who Won Things by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Katharine McEwen (Walker Books)
o Man on the Moon by Simon Bartram (Templar)
o Quiet! by Paul Bright, illustrated by Guy Parker Rees (Little Tiger Press)
o Atticus the Storyteller's 100 Greek Myths by Lucy Coats, illustrated by Anthony Lewis (Orion)
o The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (Macmillan)
* Best Book with Facts:
o Journey into the Arctic by Bryan and Cherry Alexander (OUP)
o Brilliant Brits: Shakespeare by Richard Brassey (Orion)
o Who is Emily Davison? by Claudia Fitzherbert (Short Books)
o The Ultimate Book Guide edited by Daniel Hahn (A and C Black)
o I Spy: Shapes in Art by Lucy Micklethwaite (Collins)
* Book I Couldn't Put Down:
o Stealing Stacey by Lynne Reid Banks (Collins)
o Fat Boy Swim by Catherine Forde (Egmont)
o The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird (Macmillan)
o When Mum Threw Out the Telly by E. F. Smith (Orchard Books)
o Montmorency by Eleanor Updale (Scholastic)

Best Book With Facts:
*Archaeology Detectives* - by Simon Adams (Oxford University Press) Archaeology Detectives shows young readers how archaeologists interpret a wide range of evidence to put together pictures of vanished civilizations How do we know what ancient Athens was like or how the Aztecs lived? This question is fully answered by Archaeology Detectives, which tells the story of how archaeologists in the past two hundred years have gradually deciphered some of the world's most fascinating ancient sites. It takes the reader on the journey from initial discovery of specific sites or monuments to contemporary understanding of the civilizations that built them. This book links archaeological techniques with stories of how pioneers deciphered real sites, describing the thrilling process of analysis, frustrations, breakthroughs, and luck. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet - by Anna Claybourne (A&C Black) In this exciting book, children learn how to face and survive theworld's most dangerous situations. From natural disasters and wildweather, to getting lost in the wild and fighting off dangerousanimals,readers learn the skills needed to combat 100 real life dramas. Each danger is rated in terms of how likely you are to meet it, and howlikely you are to survive, from the unlikely event of an asteroid strike or bear attack (minimal chance of survival) to the morelikely event and maximum chance of surviving a flood or forest fire.A concluding spread provides at-a-glance safety dos and don'ts and essential first aid advice. About the Author Anna Claybourne is the author of numerous books on the natural world for young readers, including the Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of Planet Earth, the Survival Skills Handbook and many more Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers
Horrible Geography Handbooks: Planet in Peril - by Anita Ganeri, illustrated by Mike Phillips (Scholastic) The next title in the colour Horrible Geography Handbooks series. From climate change to carbon footprints How to Save the Planet is a Horribly useful guide the environmental issues children are most concerned about and offers oodles of ideas of things readers can do to help to save the planet. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to to
Book I Couldn't Put Down:
Abela: The Girl Who Saw Lions- by Berlie Doherty (Andersen Press)Waterstone's Online review The story is intensely moving and gripping--when I was half-way through I just couldn't put it down and read solidly until I got to the end!' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Publishing News, 27th April 2007 'Touching and well-told story' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. PHILIP PULLMAN, Guardian `Doherty's strength has always been her emotional honesty' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Book Description Much-awaited paperback publication of this topical and heart-warming book. From the Publisher Beautifully written, ABELA recalls classic Berlie Doherty titles, such as DEAR NOBODY and CHILDREN OF WINTER. Painstaking research makes this a highly authentic read - even the poignant cover photograph was taken by the author herself in Tanzania. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
Shadow Forest - by Matt Haig (Corgi)Samuel Blink is the hero of this story, but he doesn't know it yet. Right now, he and his sister Martha are in the back of his parents car. He has no idea a giant log is about to fall from the sky and change his life forever. He doesn't know that he and Martha will be forced to move to Norway and eat their Aunt Eda's smelly brown cheese. He hasn't the slightest clue Martha will disappear into Shadow Forest. A forest full of one-eyed trolls, the sinister huldre-folk, deadly Truth Pixies and a witch who steals shadows. A forest ruled by the evil Changemaker. A forest so dangerous that people who enter never return. No. Samuel Blink doesn't know any of this. So don't tell him. It might ruin the book... From the Inside Flap Samuel Blink is the hero of this story, but he doesn't know it yet. Right now, he and his sister, Martha, are in the back of his parents' car. He has no idea that a giant log is about to fall from the sky and change his life for ever. He doesn't know that he and Martha will be forced to move to Norway and eat their Aunt Edna's smelly brown cheese. He hasn't the slightest clue Martha will disappear into Shadow Forest. A forest full of one-eyed trolls, the sinister huldre-folk, deadly truth pixies and a witch who steals shadows. A forest ruled by the evil Changemaker. A forest so dangerous that people who enter never return. No. Samuel Blink doesn't know any of this. So don't tell him. It might ruin the book . . . --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Foul Play (Football Detective) - by Tom Palmer (Puffin) The Times, June 14th 2008 "an excellent fast-paced detective novel" Sunday Times, May 4th 2008 "written accessibly and with a light touch, this is the kind of story to appeal to reluctant readers as well as established readers - and their fathers too. The first of a Football Detective series, it scores with the precision of a Ronaldo free kick" (Children's Book of the Week) Sunday Telegraph, 29th June 2008 "Credited with turning book-phobic boys into page-turning maniacs" (one of their 50 of the best holiday reads for 2008) Financial Times, 10th June 2008 "thoughtful, straightforward prose" Crime thriller meets football fiction in this explosive, exciting first book in a brand new series for readers aged 10+. Danny is obsessed with two things: football – especially City Football Club – and investigating crimes. So when England and City footballing hero Sam Roberts is reported missing the day after Danny saw him being taken, blindfolded, into the bowels of the City FC stadium late at night, he's determined to get to the bottom of it. But is Danny getting into something he can't handle? About the Author As well as being a huge football fan, Tom Palmer has an international reputation in reader development. He is a coordinator of the Reading Partners consortium, works with The Reading Agency, Booktrust and the National Literacy Trust, and has been the official writer for the Premier League Reading Stars scheme for five years. He also teaches annually for the Arvon Foundation, and has travelled around the world to train librarians and teachers in techniques to encourage boys to read. This is his first book for Puffin. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
Most Fun Story with Pictures:
Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear - by Andy Stanton, illustrated by David Tazzyman (Egmont) Review "'Smooky palooki! This book is well brilliant! Andy Stanton is far too clever and funny and should be locked away in a very dark place that nobody can find.' Jeremy Strong; 'A wickedly entertaining story' Bookseller; 'Andy Stanton accumulates silliness and jokes in an irresistible, laughter-inducing romp' The Sunday Times; 'Worryingly splendid' Guardian; 'A riotous read' Sunday Express; 'Designed to tickle young funny bones' Glasgow Herald; 'Cranks up children's storytelling conventions to hilarious extremes' Jewish Chronicle." Mr Gum returns in the fifth shamelessly hilarious book...Good evening. Do you like bears called Padlock? Course you do. Do you like hot-air balloons? Course you do. Do you like tall sailing ships with mad sea captains, and horrifying old villains and words like 'wab!', 'tungler' and 'kelp'? COURSE you do! Well, guess what, you lucky little nibbleheads? This book's got all of those things - and a lot more besides. It's a rollicker! It's a frolicker! It's a funtime sun-time yollicker! So what you waiting for? Get reading! Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
*Fleabag* - by Helen Stephens (Alison Green Books) There was once a dog who had no name, and he had no home. What he did have was fleas, but they weren't much company. The dog longs for a family. At last he sees one that looks just right - with a brother and sister to play with him. He follows them around everywhere but they shoo him away. It's not till the little boy runs away from home, that Fleabag (as they call him) can finally win his way into their hearts - and home. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers Back to top
*Lost! The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog* - by Jeremy Strong (Puffin Books) Review 'Few children's writers succeed in combining irresistibly rude jokes, witty repartee, and a robust plot with a genuine and considered emotional core' Guardian 'Hilariously funny, this will have you laughing your socks off' Guardian Children's Supplement The FOURTH hysterically funny adventure about Streaker, the bestselling Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog. Streaker the dog is lost. And not just a bit lost, but REALLY LOST! It wasn't even her fault.! She wanted to protect some pies from the PIE ROBBER and suddenly she's miles from home and two-legged Trevor and she has to make friends with a cat. A CAT! But it gets a lot hairier when they find themselves face-to-face with a baboon . . . For the first time ever, Streaker tells her incredible adventures in her own words – and very funny words they are too. Rowan Clifford's illustrations add to the chaotic fun. About the Author Jeremy Strong used to be a primary school headteacher before he became a full-time writer. He won the Children's Book Award in 1997 with The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog and is immensely popular with children. He lives in Wiltshire. Amazon UK \| Bookrabbit uk \| Alibris-uk \| Abe books uk \| BBC Shop \| Blackwell Books\| Books Direct \| Borders \| Countrybookshop UK\| Foyles \| International Book Sellers