New Releases by Peter Bently

A hilarious rhyming retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, with a modern twist!

Nobody wants to be friends with a smelly skunk, but Sally is desperate to show the townspeople that she would never let off a stink around friends. When she bumps into the town robber, it''s time to show everyone how useful her stink can be! Multi-award-winning author Peter Bently teams up with illustrator Laurie Stansfield to teach us not to judge a skunk by its stink!

The animals were in a funk. The poop was EVERYWHERE. It stuck to paw and claw and trunk, To tail and horn and hair. Dung beetles love to chew on other animals'' tasty poo. But when the monkeys make fun of them for having such a stinky lunch, the beetles decide to munch elsewhere. What the monkeys didn''t realise is that without the beetles, there''s no one to clean up their business. And so, the pile of poo grew and grew and GREW. In this hilarious picture book, Peter Bently imagines what might happen if dung beetles stopped doing their job and shows children that every creature is important to our environment, even those that are small and smelly.

One morning, a giant octopus appeared on a roof! At first, no one was happy, but soon, the helpful octopus won over everyone. One night, he was no longer there. Could a bigger surprise be in store for the town?

A day in the life of a cat – told from the cat''s point of view! A funny rhyming picture book from Peter Bently and Chris Chatterton. I am Cat. Cat is me. A most superior thing to be. I am Cat. I need nap. Window? Cupboard? Dog Bed? Lap! Join one sassy little cat for a busy day packed full of essential cat activities. From climbing and prowling, to playing and snoozing. Being head of the house is a full-time job!

A frighteningly funny picture book, perfect for sharing at Halloween and beyond! Where do werewolves get their greens? Where do banshees buy their beans? Where do ogres get supplies of tasty ear-and-eyeball pies? Welcome to the Spookermarket, where ghouls and frights shop by night. But when a mischievous genie escapes to cause chaos in the supermarket aisles, can everybody work together to outwit this troublesome customer? A laugh-out-loud adventure from award-winning author Peter Bently and acclaimed illustrator Steph Laberis.

"Charmingly silly...features bouncy, rhyming text that will enchant readers." —Kirkus Reviews An octopus falls from the sky one day. It lands on a roof and there it stays. The village’s children quickly make friends with it, even though the adults are wary. But the octopus proves very handy indeed, making a perfect slide, helping out with some painting, and even rescuing a cat stuck in a tree. But just when all the neighbors decide they want an octopus of their very own, it disappears. Where has it gone and will it come back?

Fred the Giant''s off fishing today. But look! His GIANT PANTS are caught on the end of his hook! Follow Fred as he drags his giant pants all around town, scooping up a cat, the baker and all his cakes, a fire engine . . . you''d be amazed how much fits in those megapants. What pantemonium!

The Princess is getting ready for her ball at the palace of Pum Ping. She''s starting to feel nervous. What happens if she pumps or parps or does bum-blasts or toots, bottom-burps, whizpops or poots? That shouldn''t be a problem though, as everyone knows princesses don''t fart... A new laugh-out-loud new text from Peter Bently, author of Meet the Parents and Dustbin Dad.

Join Jeremy and Jemima Potts on a madcap adventure in the world''s most famous magical, flying car - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Dad started the engine. It made two loud sneezes - CHITTY! CHITTY! - and two small explosions - BANG! BANG! - and thundered into life! A stunningly illustrated picture-book retelling of Ian Fleming''s timeless classic - a must for every child''s bookshelf! Stunning illustrations throughout bring this classic tale to life for the youngest of fans. Retold by the much-loved children''s author Peter Bently and beautifully illustrated by picture book star Steve Antony, the creator of Mr Panda.

Join Dylan the dump truck as he learns all about becoming a construction vehicle at the Whizzy Wheels Academy. The story explores his journey of discovery—he learns not just about his purpose but about himself. He must overcome a challenge and learn a valuable lesson, encouraging the reader to cheer him on as the story unfolds. With colorful illustrations and an engaging story on a favorite topic, this book inspires a deeper knowledge of the world, encourages creativity and imagination, and supports emotional intelligence.

Dodie Smith’s classic tale adapted into a playful and stylish new picture book Dalmatians Pongo and Missis live in London with their beloved owners. When Missis finds out she’s going to have puppies, they’re all thrilled! But, Missis doesn’t just have one puppy . . . or two . . . or three . . . she has fifteen! When the puppies go missing, Pongo and Missis know that there’s only one woman who can be behind the dognapping: the notorious Cruella de Vil. They strike out across the city and—with a little help from the street dogs of London—rescue their pups and many, many more from a terrible fate.

The Princess is getting ready for her ball at the palace of Par Ping. She''s starting to feel nervous. What happens if she pumps or parps or does bum-blasts or toots, bottom-burps, whizpops or poots? That shouldn''t be a problem though, as everyone knows princesses don''t pump... A new laugh-out-loud new text from Peter Bently, author of Meet the Parents and Dustbin Dad.

A beautifully illustrated rhyming story about friendship, with a cosy winter setting. It''s a big day for Bramble. It''s his birthday! The only trouble is, his woodland friends seem to have forgotten. It''s beginning to look like poor Bramble will have to celebrate all alone... But perhaps there''s a special surprise in store for him after all! Perfect for fans of Percy the Park Keeper and the Wind in the Willows, A Home in the Snow is just right for sharing together at Christmas time. A heartwarming story from award-winning author Peter Bently; with gorgeous, classic illustrations by Charles Fuge, the creator of the bestselling Little Wombat series.

Sit back and enjoy this rollicking canine caper. It''s barking mad! The dogs are having a ball today. Roll up for the canine cabaret! The day has arrived for the Dogs'' Summer Ball -- a high-class canine caper. So high-class in fact, that each dog must remove their bottom before they are allowed inside the hall. But in the middle of all the frivolity something unexpected happens and the dogs have to make a hasty exit . . . with or without the correct bottom!

Digger! Fire Engine! Monster Truck! Tractor! Can the busy vehicles save the day? It''s time to get busy with machines that roar, whizz, vroom and zoom! This action-packed activity book is crammed full of things to find, amazing vehicles to colour in, and games and puzzles to entertain - perfect for rainy days! Each adventure story is followed by fun activities, to engage and delight your young vehicle-lover. From rescue vehicles to monster trucks, the activities use plots and themes from within the stories, encouraging reluctant readers to engage with the text and find out what happens next!

Meet Fergus the Fire Engine--Whizzy Wheels Academy''s latest recruit! Follow him as he learns all about his role with the emergency services and what his job entails. This sweet story explores Fergus''s journey of discovery as he learns all about himself and his capabilities. Join Fergus as he overcomes a challenge and learns a valuable lesson in this delightful picture book, part of a fun new board book series for vehicle-crazy preschoolers. With colorful illustrations and an engaging story on a favorite topic, this board book inspires a deeper knowledge of the world, encourages creativity and imagination, and supports emotional intelligence.

Meet Tess the Tractor - Whizzy Wheels Academy''s latest recruit! Follow her as she learns all about her role on the farm and what her job entails. This sweet story explores Tess''s journey of discovery as she learns all about herself and her capabilities. Cheer Tess on as she overcomes a challenge and learns a valuable lesson in this delightful picture book, part of a fun new board book series for vehicle-crazy preschoolers. With colorful illustrations and an engaging story on a favorite topic, this board book inspires a deeper knowledge of the world, encourages creativity and imagination and supports emotional intelligence.

From the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, comes a tender, gentle rhyming story celebrating playtime. Capturing the joy of the simplest games a child plays, including hide-and-seek, chase, and lots of imaginative play. A joyous story with the perfect lullaby ending. Praise for A Recipe for Bedtime: "I can imagine this becoming a bedtime favourite with many a toddler." - Red Reading Hub

Up, up, and away! Get ready for takeoff! Up in the Air takes kids up in the air as they are introduced to a variety of flying vehicles. Each page features a different interactive element such as spinners, flaps, and tabs. While reading the rhyming story, kids can use the interactive elements to bring the story to life. Whether it''s a jet, helicopter, or hot-air balloon, Up in the Air is the perfect introduction to flying vehicles for youngsters.

Slide, pull, and lift the vehicles on the construction site! Get ready to work on a construction site! Push-Pull-Turn! Dump Truck Gets to Work is full of interactive elements that bring the scenes to life. Whether it''s a dump truck, digger, or cherry picker, the story is told in rhyme and introduces the each vehicle and its role. Young builders will love following the vehicles around the construction site in this exciting tale.

Pignatius was passing the palace one day, when he saw ten fresh buns left to cool on a tray . . . When Pignatius sees fresh pastries cooling on the windowsill of the palace kitchen, he’s tempted to try them. Surely, the cook won’t miss just one. But Pignatius’s greed gets the better of him, and he eats all the buns before sneaking into the palace in search of more treats. Before long, he finds himself in the prince’s room trying on a wig and some clothes, and the servants mistake him for the real prince! When the actual prince returns, Pignatius fears the worst, but the prince saves Pignatius’s bacon instead. It turns out that the prince has always wanted a double to deal with a particularly frightening problem—his aunt Alice! This hilarious reimagining of Mark Twain’s classic The Prince and the Pauper is sure to make kids laugh with its clever rhyming text and delicious, dessert-filled illustrations by New York Times bestselling illustrator David Roberts.

The boys from King Jack and the Dragon are back in this swashbuckling pirate adventure with pictures by the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes Jack, Zack, and Caspar are building a ship—on the beach, out of sand. When they set sail on their imaginary adventure, Jack spies an enemy pirate ship nearby. They chase after the pirates, but a storm wrecks their ship and sweeps them up on a desert island. The island isn''t totally deserted, though—their pirate enemies are there too. Just as the boys discover the pirates'' treasure (an array of delicious desserts), the pirates (their parents) capture them. But these pirates are friendly—they''re willing to share the treasure, and they throw in some ice cream just for good measure! Perfect for storytime read-alouds, this picture book is just right for fans of Three Bears in a Boat, How I Became a Pirate, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

A few simple ingredients are all you need for the perfect bedtime. Take one cute-enough-to-eat baby, add a spoonful of kisses, mix with plenty of cuddles, and finish with a sweet lullaby. This recipe for a bedtime routine unfolds in the form of an adorable set of step-by-step instructions. By the end, little ones will be all tucked in and drifting off to sleep. Soothing, lyrical text and warmly rendered artwork make this book sweeter than pie!

Space Shuttle is preparing in the launchpad to launch into space and to replace an old satellite. The shuttle engines and booster rockets roar into the sky and the shuttle enters space! Will Panda and his crew be able to replace the satellite? Who will they meet along their way? It''s time to get busy with machines that race, vroom and zoom! This vibrant series is designed to excite playful pre-schoolers. Each story features a popular vehicle as the central character, and involves a group of animal characters in a supporting role. A detailed spread on different parts of the vehicle will help children tom understand what makes up the machines and help familiarise them with vehicle vocabulary and noises.

Cedric Thatchbottom can’t wait to train as a squire, serving Sir Percival the Proud – a knight famed throughout the land for his glorious deeds. But this famous knight isn’t all he appears to be, and Cedric soon finds himself being run ragged around Castle Bombast by his new master. In Book 4 of the Knightmare series, a notorious outlaw is terrifying the locals and the king has ordered Sir Percy to track him down. Cedric and his master head off into the depths of Grimwood in search of the Ghost and his gang. But there are more than just robbers lurking in the fearsome forest… Yikes! A hilarious series from Roald Dahl Funny Prize winning author, Peter Bently. Great for fans of Horrible Histories and Sir Gadabout.

The sheep on the hillside were munching away, much as they always did, day after day, when suddenly something went . . . ZOOM overhead! "Let''s go and see what it is!" they all said. And so begins a ripping, round-the-world adventure as the magnificent sheep take to skies in their spiffing, yellow flying machine...

Cedric Thatchbottom can’t wait to train as a squire, serving Sir Percival the Proud – a knight famed throughout the land for his glorious deeds. But this famous knight isn’t all he appears to be, and Cedric soon finds himself being run ragged around Castle Bombast by his new master. In Book 3 of the Knightmare series, a wealthy princess is visiting the kingdom in search of a husband, and Sir Percy has a plot up his sleeve to see off the other potential suitors. As usual, Cedric has a key part to play in his master''s plan. Ugh! Dressing up as a maiden in silk bloomers wasn’t quite what he had in mind when he signed up to be a squire. A hilarious new series following the misadventures of a trainee knight. Packed with comical characters, battles, puns and poo, these books are irresistible to young readers aged six to eight years.