New Releases by Henrietta Branford

More adventures and kidnapping for this plucky young orphan as she outwits the evil Valpurga Vilemile once again.

The much-loved tale of how a brother and sister seek to escape the clutches of an evil witch and her enchanted house. But the witch is hungry and she''s not willing to let them go that easily . . . This story is a magic bean. It may not look much like a bean, but I can promise you that it is. For if you plant it in a young mind, it will grow into a love of story and reading. These beans are favourite fairytales and legends that will delight, thrill and thoroughly entertain. Each story has been brilliantly crafted by one of the best-loved writers for children. This story was published by David Fickling Books as part of the Magic Beans anthology. The complete anthology is available in hardback and in ebook format.

Magic beans. Sow them. Plant them. Watch children grow. ''If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hoper, a prayer, a magic-bean-buyer. If you''re a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in!'' - Shel Silverstein, Poet Each and every one of the stories in this anthology is a magic bean: a wondrous tale that will capture your imagination. Prepare to be dazzled by Rapunzel''s golden tresses. Prepare to be moved by the suffering of the Little Mermaid. Prepare to laugh yourself silly as ''Mr Sultana'' struggles to get the better of a little red rooster! Lovingly crafted by the finest authors and illustrators, these ''magic beans'' will delight, thrill and thoroughly entertain.

Dimanche Diller is a very rich young orphan. Valburga Vilemile, her very wicked guardian, is determined to get her hands on Dimanche''s fortune. But Dimanche is no push-over, not even for the vilest, most evil guardian in the world.

The year is 1381. Rebellion is brewing, and life for man - and dog - is about to change dramatically... Told through the eyes of a hunting dog, Fire, Bed and Bone is an unusual and engaging look at an important time in British history.

When a white wolf flees captivity by humans, he must learn to hunt and run with a pack and to discover what it truly means to be a wolf. By the author of Fire, Bed, and Bone. Reprint.

A tender bedtime story Red Hen has got six lively chicks to settle off to sleep. She snuggles them all around her and sings them songs, sweet and low. The chicks become drowsy but only one chick goes to sleep. And so Red Hen chats cheerfully for a while but, again, only one more chick goes to sleep. With infinite patience the Red Hen continues telling stories, rocking and cuddling until all her chicks, except one, are asleep. The last little chick has to be told the sleepy-time secret spell before he too falls fast asleep.

Tactile, onomatopaeic and fun, this text by award-winner Henrietta Branford tells of a toddler''s first visit to the seaside. Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw, who was shortlisted for the Sheffield Children''s Book Award. Sand in my ears, Sand in my hair. Warm sand, wet sand, Sand everywhere. This fun text is perfect for bedtime sharing, describing the sensation of sand and water, and encouraging the possibilities of imaginative play at the seaside.

Little Pig Figwort cannot sleep, so he goes off to the North Pole, the moon, and the bottom of the sea.

A delightful second book about Spacebaby from the award-winning author, Henrietta Branford. Spacebaby splashes to Earth, summoned by his friend, Tipperary. Something strange is happening under the sea - and the shock waves are very alarming! Spacebaby splashes down to earth again - aged 16 months, not 16 years, as he''d planned! He quickly meets up with his Earth friends again; the eccentric Tipperary and her boyfriend Charley, Hector, the bouncy dog, and Aunt Doris and her chickens. Together they set out in SOFTIE to catch Elvis, the giant electric eel who''s causing chaos in the ocean - he''s lovesick for a cyber eel, and his shock-waves are felt far and wide... There follows a crazy boat chase, as they are pursued by the evil Silas Stoatwarden... How can Elvis be pacified? Could the answer lie in the depths of Loch Ness?

Ran, a sixteen-year-old Viking girl, struggles to control the events of her life and escape from the death that is supposed to be her destiny.

A collection of tales featuring Ruby Red and her friends, such as the Gargoyle who lives by the clock on the wall and strikes the hour every hour. His finest hour is detailed in the last of the stories in this collection, The Snow Picnic.

Smarties prize winner. A rollicking sea adventure with Diamche, a small girl who prevents an evil professor from taking her fame and fortune. 8-10 yrs.