New Releases by Mary Hoffman

In this beautifully illustrated book, 14 classic fairy tales are retold for young children. Old favorites, such as "Cinderella" and "Jack and the Beanstalk," are presented alongside some lesser known stories, such as "The Fisherman and his Wife" and "Diamonds and Toads." Mary Hoffman's charming retellings use simple, lyrical language ideal for reading aloud, while Julie Downing's illustrations bring the characters to life. The stories in this collection show the consequences of greed, pride, and vanity, but also tell of the love that grows from a kind heart and a cheerful nature. And along the way, there is a wealth of magic and fun to be enjoyed.

A glorious, diverse celebration of human life, from birth to death, by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith. The sixth title in the Great Big Book series explores every stage of human life. From birth to starting nursery, being a teenager to becoming an adult, from work to relationships, homes and jobs, to aging illness and death. A universal but challenging topic is dealt with Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith's trademark sensitivity and humour and inclusivity.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the publication of Amazing Grace, the spirited little girl with a big imagination is coming back to Puffin in two fun chapter books! In Encore, Grace!, when Grace's family and group of friends change, Grace turns to her imagination to cope with things like a new girl in school and the death of a family friend. In Bravo, Grace!, Grace deals with more change. This time her mother is remarrying and they are moving to a new house, there's a bully in school, and there's a new baby on the way! But despite all the changes, Grace always has her family and friends to support her, and she always finds a way to handle new situations in positive ways. "Hoffman's successful African-American protagonist provides a wonderful role model for today's multicultural school community in this second volume of short, clear, event-filled chapters." - Kirkus Reviews review for Encore, Grace!

This fun and fascinating treasury features all kinds of families and their lives together. Each spread showcases one aspect of home life-from houses and holidays, to schools and pets, to feelings and family trees. Ros Asquith's humorous illustrations perfectly complement a charming text from the acclaimed Mary Hoffman; kids will love poring over these pages again and again. A celebration of the diverse fabric of kith and kin the world over, The Great Big Book of Families is a great big treat for every family to share.

Set in the beautiful city of Florence, the politics and the intrigue grow ever more dangerous. And beware - much that seems beautiful is in fact deadly poison … Featuring favourite characters from the first two titles in the series, including Georgia and Falco, as well as a host of exciting new characters, this breathtaking new novel will not disappoint.

The sequel to the international bestseller CITY OF MASKS. The time period is the same - C16 Talia as a parallel world version of Italy - but the setting has moved from Bellezza (Venice) to Remora (Siena). The main character in this book is Georgia - who has a love of horses. She is desperate to buy a little, dusty winged horse that has appeared in a local antique shop. This tiny, winged horse will prove to be the talisman (as the notebook was for Lucien in CITY OF MASKS) that will transport Georgia to Siena - right into the rivalries and the high-octane excitement of the hugely competitive Stellata horse race - and more. Mary Hoffman has proved herself a mistress of a narrative tour-de-force with CITY OF MASKS and this sequel will not disappoint. 'If you enjoyed STRAVAGANZA: CITY OF MASKS then you will love returning to Talia in this exciting sequel. Featuring a flying horse, a fast and furious horse race, kidnapping and much intrigue, this is a great adventure.' Grainne Cooney, Bookseller Teenage Reading Choice

Grace and her friends have all sorts of adventures during their summer vacation--going to the circus, taking an imaginary safari, making friends with an elderly neighbor, pretending to be astronauts, and calling the paramedics when her grandmother has an accident.

Although a classmate says that she cannot play Peter Pan in the school play because she is black, Grace discovers that she can do anything she sets her mind to do.

An amazing girl...an amazing book...and now amazing paper dolls!Grace can do or be anything she wants to be! Now Grace's aspirations come to life with paper dolls that make it possible for children -- and adults -- to dress her in many of the roles she plays in the best-selling book Amazing Grace.Amazing Grace Paper Dolls will provide children with hours of fun, while at the same time encouraging them to develop confidence and self-esteem.For optimum sales appeal, several enhancements have been included: -- A press-out theater trunk for storing the entire wardrobe-- A stage backdrop featuring a foil spotlight to show how Grace will look on stage playing any of her many roles-- A special page for designing and coloring one's own creations

Grace is invited for a visit with her father and his new family in Africa.

This remarkably moving picture book follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school. Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened. And he finds that there are many things to like about his new home in America. The colorful, impressionistic illustrations are a perfect complement to the wonderful text by Mary Hoffman, author of the highly acclaimed Amazing Grace. Together art and text make this poignant story accessible and affecting for a young audience.

Lucien is very sick with cancer and struggles with his parents' worry every day. But each night, through a magical gift from his father, his mind is transported to an enchanting city, Bellezza, a parallel city to Venice of our world. In Bellezza, Lucien discovers that he is a Stravagante, a rare person able to travel through worlds while sleeping. Befriended by a local girl and protected by an older Stravagante, Lucien uncovers a plot to murder the city's beloved ruler, the Duchessa. But to save the Duchessa and the city Lucien risks his only chance to return home to family and his real life.