New Releases by Mal Peet

It's 1945 and Martin Heath, like many men at that time, is struggling to settle, to find his place again after the horrors of war. Then an old comrade sends him a letter and tells him of a position that's just come up in the remote wilds of Dartmoor - working for an elderly fellow called Mr Godley. "Are you a good driver, Mr Heath?" It's a simple question and a simple task and the doorway to a dark mystery that may just turn out to be the escape he was hoping for - but at what cost?

A boy and his dog set sail in search of treasure, braving stormy seas, snowy mountains, and other challenging obstacles, before finally reaching the end of their quest: the treasure of Pirate Frank.

From Carnegie Medal–winning author Mal Peet comes a sweeping coming-of-age adventure, both harrowing and life-affirming. Born of a brief encounter between a Liverpool prostitute and an African soldier in 1907, Beck finds himself orphaned as a young boy and sent overseas to the Catholic Brothers in Canada. At age fifteen he is sent to work on a farm, from which he eventually escapes. Finally in charge of his own destiny, Beck starts westward, crossing the border into America and back, all while the Great Depression rages on. What will it take for Beck to understand the agonies of his childhood and realize that love is possible?

Alf loves soccer, but is he good enough? F&P: E, RR/DLL: 8, DRA2: 6, Stage: Early, Type: Nonfiction

Award-winning author Philip Murdstone is in trouble. His star has waned. The world is leaving him behind. His agent, the beautiful and ruthless Minerva Cinch, convinces him that his only hope is to write a sword-and-sorcery blockbuster. Unfortunately, Philip - allergic to the faintest trace of Tolkien - is utterly unsuited to the task. In a dark hour, a dwarfish stranger comes to his rescue. But the deal he makes with Pocket Wellfair turns out to have Faustian consequences.The Murdstone Trilogy is a richly black comedy from an author described by one American critic as 'the best writer you've probably never heard of'.

Captivating versions of some of the best myths and legends from around the world. TreeTops Myths and Legends are fascinating and action-packed stories that will motivate and inspire readers. These are some of the oldest and most enduring stories in the world, retold by leading contemporary children's authors to bring out all of the action, drama, humour and depth of the original stories in a way that makes them as exciting and meaningful today as ever. The stories are beautifully illustrated in a range of styles to bring each tale to life. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development also available at a href=http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/"www.oxfordowl.co.uk/a. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book. This pack contains 6 books, one of each of: How Winter Came into the World, Why the Sea is Salty, Helen of Troy, Dragon Tales, The Star Fruit Tree and other stories, Beowulf, Grendel and the Dragon."

Do you ever wonder why we have seasons? How Winter Came into the World shows how the Greeks explain winter. It is about a god called Hades who falls in love with a beautiful goddess called Persephone TreeTops Myths and Legends are a fascinating selection of the best traditional stories.

Sinbad's ship set sail. But did he get back to Bagdad?

Carnegie Medalist Peet ignites an epic tale of young love against the dramatic backdrop of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Told in cinematic style, this brilliant coming-of-age novel is a gripping family portrait that interweaves the stories of three generations and the terrifying crises that define them.

"I wish i could sparkle, said Bert. I am so dull and plain."--Back cover.

Carnegie Medalist Mal Peet ignites an epic tale of young love against the dramatic backdrop of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Can love survive a lifetime? When working-class Clem Ackroyd falls for Frankie Mortimer, the gorgeous daughter of a wealthy local landowner, he has no hope that it can. After all, the world teeters on the brink of war, and bombs could rain down any minute over the bleak English countryside — just as they did seventeen years ago as his mother, pregnant with him, tended her garden. This time, Clem may not survive. Told in cinematic style by acclaimed writer Mal Peet, this brilliant coming-of-age novel is a gripping family portrait that interweaves the stories of three generations and the terrifying crises that define them. With its urgent sense of history, sweeping emotion, and winning young narrator, Mal Peet's latest is an unforgettable, timely exploration of life during wartime.

Prince Hal wanted the moon. Did his servants, Grim and Crumb, catch it for him?

An enthralling story of a poor and gawky kid who mysteriously becomes the world's greatest goalkeeper — a seamless blend of magic realism and exhilarating soccer action. "And you found it, this thing you were looking for?" It was darker now, and the city below Faustino's office was a jazzy dance of neon signs and traffic. The big man went to the window and looked down at it all, spreading his large hands on the glass. "No," he said. "It found me." When Paul Faustino of LA NACION flips on his tape recorder for an exclusive interview with El Gato — the phenomenal goalkeeper who single-handedly brought his team the World Cup — the seasoned reporter quickly learns that this will be no ordinary story. Instead, the legendary El Gato ("The Cat") quietly narrates a spellbinding tale that begins in a mythic corner of the South American rain forest, where a ghostly but very real mentor, the Keeper, emerges to teach the gangly boy the most thrilling secrets of the game. Combining vivid imagery and heart-stopping action, this evocative, strikingly ethereal novel about loyalty, passion, and magic will haunt readers, regardless of their love for soccer, long after the story is ended.

Monkeys come to the rescue of a struggling family in this traditional tale from a Carnegie Medal winner.Tashi lives in a tiny village below the tea plantations where her mother earns a living. One day her mother falls ill, and Tashi must pick tea to earn the money for a doctor. But she is too small to reach the tender shoots and the cruel Overseer sends her away empty-handed. Tashi needs a miracle. Then, on the mountains high above the plantation where only monkeys live, something extraordinary happens that will change her life for ever...

Carnegie Medalist Mal Peet takes a searing look at the world of soccer and pop-celebrity culture -- and the lives of three street kids caught in its glare. (Age 14 and up) When a black South American soccer star signs on to a team in the country’s racist south, headlines blare. And when he falls for the sensual Desmerelda, a stunning white pop singer and daughter of a wealthy politician, their sudden and controversial marriage propels the pair to center stage, where they burn in the media spotlight. But celebrity attracts enemies; some very close to home. And its dazzle reaches into the city’s hidden corners, exposing a life of grit and desperation the glitterati could never imagine. When a girl is found murdered, reporter Paul Faustino is caught between worlds as he witnesses the power of the media in making -- and breaking -- lives. Inspired by Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, this modern tragedy of desire and betrayal, incisively and compassionately told, is a truly enthralling work of crossover fiction.

New Myths and Legends from TreeTops that will motivate and inspire your junior readers! Fascinating and action-packed stories, carefully adapted to make them accessible, with levelling you can trust, and clear progression throughout the stages. All stories are fully illustrated with stunning artwork.They are supported by teaching materials.

These exciting new TreeTops Myths and Legends are guaranteed to appeal to all your junior readers - whatever their cultural background, gender or enthusiasms. These are the oldest and most enduring stories in the world, retold by leading contemporary children's authors to bring out all of theaction, drama, humour and depth of the original stories in a way that makes them as exciting and meaningful today as ever.The strand is comprised of 24 books, telling a total of around 65 traditional stories from around the world. All of the stories are fully illustrated with stunning, vibrant images. The stories are carefully levelled, making them accessible to the average 7-11 year old reader. A thought-provokingletter from the author explains something about the background of the stories and the process of writing or retelling them. The letter also encourages the reader to make links between stories in a collection - prompting a fascinating investigation of the similarities and differences between storiesthat have evolved from different cultures around the world.Free teaching notes with each pack offer suggestions on how to develop higher order comprehension and writing skills. They also provide short introductions to many of the stories and discussion points to promote meaningful speaking and listening, and reflective reading. The stories are ideal formaking strong links to other areas of curriculum.

When teenage football prodigy El Brujito, vanishes without a trace, Paul Faustino, South America's top sports journalist, is reluctantly drawn into the mystery, which plunges him into a world of corruption, murder, and the occult. Reprint.

From the author of the acclaimed "Keeper" comes a powerfully moving, Carnegie Medal-winning story about love, lies, and secrets set against the daily fear and horror of Nazi-occupied Holland.

For the pure enjoyment of real picture books with the support of a structured schemeA fabulous variety of different kinds of stories, authors, and illustrators to enrich children's reading experienceExpertly levelled to Oxford Reading Tree stagesGentle, structured progression to build reading confidence and ensure your children can read independentlyMaximum teaching support--Reading Notes for parents and Teaching Notes and Guided Reading Cards for teachers and teaching assistantsTitles Included in Pack:Locked OutLittle DragonAlf Saves the DayThe School TripThe Chatterbox TurtleThe Sandwich that Jack MadeAlso Available in the Snapdragons Series:Stages 1+ -10Teaching Notes Guided Reading Cards

The Oxford Literacy Web is an exciting new literacy programme designed to guide schools successfully through the primary years. Fitting the requirements of the National Literacy Strategy, National Curriculum in England and Wales, English Language 5-14 in Scotland, and Common Curriculum inNorthern Ireland, the Oxford Literacy Web guides pupils through the core skills associated with learning to read and write with a diverse range of literary styles within the genres of fiction, non-fiction, rhymes, language, and poetry. The "Fiction" strand: there can be no better way to learn to read than through the Duck Green School and Variety story strands. Exciting stories, hilarious events, and dynamic illustrations combine to ensure diversity and enjoyment. In the Duck Green School stories, early school experiences arebrought to life through a cast of lovable characters. Children can enjoy their own `soap opera' while learning specific vocabulary in context. In Stage 6 it's Sports Day and Josh is determined to win a race, some ducks have a treat when they come to school, and Cheep gets into a sticky situation. In the fantasy tales Cinderella is reinterpreted in Leela and the Lost Shoe, Gulliver's Travels is reinterpreted in The Rescue, and TheEmperor's Nightingale is reinterpreted in The Songbird. Duck Green School stories introduce key word vocabulary in the context of a familiar setting and familiar characters.

The Oxford Literacy Web is an exciting new literacy programme designed to guide schools successfully through the primary years. Fitting the requirements of the National Literacy Strategy, National Curriculum in England and Wales, English Language 5-14 in Scotland, and Common Curriculum in Northern Ireland, the Oxford Literacy Web guides pupils through the core skills associated with learning to read and write with a diverse range of literary styles within the genres of fiction, non-fiction, rhymes, language, and poetry. The "Fiction" strand: there can be no better way to learn to read than through the Duck Green School and Variety story strands. Exciting stories, hilarious events, and dynamic illustrations combine to ensure diversity and enjoyment. In the Duck Green School stories, early school experiences are brought to life through a cast of lovable characters. Children can enjoy their own `soap opera' while learning specific vocabulary in context. In Stage 6it's Sports Day and Josh is determined to win a race, some ducks have a treat when they come to school, and Cheep gets into a sticky situation. In the fantasy tales Cinderella is reinterpreted in Leela and the Lost Shoe, Gulliver's Travels is reinterpreted in The Rescue, and The Emperor's Nightingale is reinterpreted in The Songbird. Duck Green School stories introduce key word vocabulary in the context of a familiar setting and familiar characters.

The full range of text types to meet your shared and guided reading/writing needs at Key Stage 2. These new anthologies offer a vast selection of extracts and complete pieces in many different genres, spanning fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. The range of authors is equally broad, fromclassic poets and authors to modern children's favourites, and from Shakespeare to today's journalists. Each anthology corresponds to a single year of upper primary school (7-11 year olds).Posters: each of the key text types is reproduced on illustrated, large-format write-on, wipe-off posters.The Teacher's Guides give detailed information and teaching notes for each extract, with lots of ideas for shared reading and writing and group work, backed up by photocopy masters.

The Oxford Literacy Web is an exciting new literacy programme designed to guide schools successfully through the primary years. Fitting the requirements of the National Literacy Strategy, National Curriculum in England and Wales, English Language 5-14 in Scotland, and Common Curriculum inNorthern Ireland, the Oxford Literacy Web guides pupils through the core skills associated with learning to read and write with a diverse range of literary styles within the genres of fiction, non-fiction, rhymes, language, and poetry.The "Fiction" strand: there can be no better way to learn to read than through the Duck Green School and Variety story strands. Exciting stories, hilarious events, and dynamic illustrations combine to ensure diversity and enjoyment. In the Duck Green School stories, early school experiences arebrought to life through a cast of lovable characters. Children can enjoy their own `soap opera' while learning specific vocabulary in context.Stage 4 of Duck Green Stories reinforces earlier sight vocabulary and introduces 20 new key words. We also meet the children in Miss Ross's class, including Poppy's brothers, Mike and Spike, and Leela Lalloo, whose grandparents own The Treasure Chest. The books are available in both standard and`big book' format.

The Oxford Literacy Web is an exciting new literacy programme designed to guide schools successfully through the primary years. Fitting the requirements of the National Literacy Strategy, National Curriculum in England and Wales, English Language 5-14 in Scotland, and Common Curriculum in Northern Ireland, the Oxford Literacy Web guides pupils through the core skills associated with learning to read and write with a diverse range of literary styles within the genres of fiction, non-fiction, rhymes, language, and poetry. The "Fiction" strand: there can be no better way to learn to read than through the Duck Green School and Variety story strands. Exciting stories, hilarious events, and dynamic illustrations combine to ensure diversity and enjoyment. In the Duck Green School stories, early school experiences are brought to life through a cast of lovable characters. Children can enjoy their own `soap opera' while learning specific vocabulary in context. Stage 4 of Duck Green Stories reinforces earlier sight vocabulary and introduces 20 new key words. We also meet the children in Miss Ross's class, including Poppy's brothers, Mike and Spike, and Leela Lalloo, whose grandparents own The Treasure Chest. The books are available in both standard and `big book' format.

The Oxford Literacy Web is an exciting new literacy programme designed to guide schools successfully through the primary years. Fitting the requirements of the National Literacy Strategy, National Curriculum in England and Wales, English Language 5-14 in Scotland, and Common Curriculum inNorthern Ireland, the Oxford Literacy Web guides pupils through the core skills associated with learning to read and write with a diverse range of literary styles within the genres of fiction, non-fiction, rhymes, language, and poetry. The "Fiction" strand: there can be no better way to learn to read than through the Duck Green School and Variety story strands. Exciting stories, hilarious events, and dynamic illustrations combine to ensure diversity and enjoyment. In the Duck Green School stories, early school experiences arebrought to life through a cast of lovable characters. Children can enjoy their own `soap opera' while learning specific vocabulary in context. In the Stage 2 Duck Green Stories, we learn more about what Mrs Best's reception class like doing and find out more about Cheep, the baby bird. We also meet Buzz and Josh, the Year 1 children. The books are available in both standard and `big book' format.

As a flood rises in the surrounding countrys ide, a young boy sets about trying to rescue the various cre atures that inhabit his garden with the help of his toy ark, thereby creating a fascinating floating world. '

An informative look at the history of toilets.