Most Popular Books by Peter Bently

"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?

A hilarious rhyming retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, The Princess and the Pea, with a modern twist! “There''s something I heard in a very old tale – a test you can do that will work without fail. Under her mattress I''ll slip a small pea. A princess who''s perfect will feel it, you see.” Prince Fred decides it''s time he got married – to a genuine proper perfect princess. His best friend, Prince Zac, warns him that such a bride might be hard to find . . . Enter Princess Ardwenna, who turns up at the palace to ask for shelter from the storm. Prince Fred can''t believe she''s a real princess – she''s not fussy or proud AT ALL – so Ardwenna decides to play a trick on Fred, involving one little pea and a whole pile of mattresses! But Prince Fred might not need a princess after all. Perhaps his own handsome prince has been there all along . . . This irresistible retelling of Hans Christian Andersen''s classic fable defies traditional fairy tale conventions. With a pitch perfect rhyming text by bestselling Peter Bently, and gloriously detailed illustrations by award-winning Claire Powell, it is an unmissable treat.

**A triumph - Daily Mail** **Laughter, action, colour, rhyme, silliness, chaos, a king, a feast and a fairytale setting - The Royal Leap-Frog has all these - Sunday Times** ----------------- When a flea, a grasshopper and a frog compete to show the King who can jump the highest, it causes CHAOS in the royal dining hall. Who can jump the highest? Can the clever leap-frog use his wits to win? And will the Emperor''s dog EVER get rid of the flea? This funny and irresistible retelling of Hans Christian Andersen''s classic fable, ''The Leap Frog'', will make children laugh - AND show them that brains are sometimes better than brawn. With a pitch-perfect rhyming text by bestselling Peter Bently, and gloriously detailed illustrations by award-winning Claire Powell, this is an unmissable treat for all ages!

Brave King Jack and his faithful knights, Sir Zack and baby Casper, spend all day fighting fierce dragons and terrible beasts in their homemade fort. But night is falling, bedtime is looming, and playtime is nearly over. When Sir Zack and Caspar are taken inside for bed, King Jack - alone on his throne - finds himself feeling a bit less brave . . . especially when he hears a thing approaching, a thing with four legs. A fantasy adventure and comforting bedtime tale in one. With Helen Oxenbury''s spare, expressive illustrations, this classic in the making is perfect for imaginative preschoolers everywhere, and certainly for fans of There''s a Nightmare in my Closet and Where the Wild Things Are. From the Board edition.

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!

King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third had SO many clothes it was simply absurd ... So when two seemingly well-meaning fabric merchants promise to make an outfit of only the very BEST and most special cloth, King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third simply cannot resist. He MUST have these new clothes! Surely, the unquestionably charitable and not-at-all-suspicious-looking tailors are genuine, and the King won''t end up looking red-cheeked ... ? This funny and timely retelling of Hans Christian Andersen''s classic fable ''The Emperor''s New Clothes'' will not only make children laugh, but also encourage them to think and speak up for what they believe. This audio-enabled edition comes with a gorgeous reading by Sam Newton, along with special music and sound effects.

Meet Daisy the digger—Whizzy Wheels Academy''s latest recruit! Follow her as she learns all about her role as a construction vehicle and what her job entails. This sweet story explores Daisy''s journey of discovery as she learns all about herself and her capabilities. Join Daisy 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-mad preschoolers. With colourful illustrations and an engaging story on a favourite topic, this board book inspires a deeper knowledge of the world, encourages creativity and imagination, and supports emotional intelligence.

Sausage dog, Hal, loves his trusty old blanket and takes it everywhere, even though his friends all say that it makes him look like a sausage covered in mustard. Little do they know just how useful that blanket might turn out to be when a thunderstorm strikes and Hal manages to rescue his canine chums using that scruffy old blanket!

A colorful journey through the maze of the unconscious mind, this illustrated exploration of dreams helps decode their profound and often perplexing messages. Imaginative, full-color images capture the dreamworld in all its strange ambiguity. 60 original illustrations. 40 color photos.

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-mad preschoolers.

Train is speeding through the countryside when Dog sees a red signal. There''s a fallen tree and the mail train is stuck! How can Train help to keep the mail moving? 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.

This charming little volume contains a wealth of lovers'' lore, touching on such subjects as the myth of Eros and Aphrodite; emblems of passion, seduction, and fidelity; and the romantic symbolism of the moon and stars. Includes 60 color illustrations and 40 color photos.

Identifies key gods, goddesses, heroes, heroines, themes, and symbols from the mythologies of the Middle East, China, India, South and Central America, North America, Japan, Europe, Greece, and Rome

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 highly original series of wildlife stories combining fantastic photos with bright graphic images – the result is bright, engaging photo storybooks.Brand-new animal picture story seriesAttractive blend of wildlife photos and artworkAmusing stories by popular children''s authorIdeal for small hands

Follow the story of a Bunny who loves to read books and shows his friends how amazing they are!

When there''s panic at the palace, which witch will come to the rescue?

The gang are back in this fourth installment of Vampire School, and there’s a nasty case of bat flu going about. With Miss Gargoyle off sick, the supply teacher, Miss Fitt, quite literally turns out to be a monster - complete with neck bolts and lightening storms! Caretaker Mr Gore is up to something, but will Lee, Bella and Billy manage to find out what? A humorous chapter book, perfect for children beginning to read on their own, these young vampires’ adventures will appeal to girls and boys alike.

A highly original series of wildlife stories combining fantastic photos with bright graphic images – the result is bright, engaging photo storybooks.Brand-new animal picture story series.Attractive blend of wildlife photos and artwork.Amusing stories by popular children''s author.

Up and down, here and there, busy wheels are everywhere! Mouse and Monster Truck are driving home after a race, but the road is closed. A climber is stuck on the mountain but no one can reach her! Monster Truck to the rescue! It''s time to get busy with machines that race, vroom and zoom! This vibrant series is designed to excite playful pre-schoolers. Each Busy Wheels book offers a colourful vehicle adventure, sounds to mimic and an exciting job to get done. The Busy Wheels series includes: Ambulance in Action: 9781781710937 Digger to the Rescue: 9781848358201 Dumper Truck Dash: 9781781710913 Fire Engine is Flashing: 9781848358195 Monster Truck Moutain Rescue: 9781781710920 Police Car on Patrol: 9781781710906 Racing Car is Roaring: 9781848358225 Tractor Saves the Day: 9781848358218

Are you a vampire? NO? Then you can''t attend St.Orlok''s I''m afraid. But not to worry - you are invited to join the young vampires for another monstrous tale of madcap midnight mayhem and spooky schoolkid capers!

It''s a hot day in the jungle and Ella wants to cool off. When Stork gets in her way, Ella and Mum make a secret plan. But there''s an extra surprise for Mum!

Într-o zi, animalele din pădure descoperă că nu curge apa. Și nici nu e de mirare – râul a secat! Bursucul pleacă să afle de ce și pe drum își face un nou prieten. O poveste fermecătoare despre generozitate și grija față de ceilalți.

Dad started the engine. It made two loud sneezes - CHITTY! CHITTY! - and two small explosions - BANG! BANG! - and thundered into life! Join Jemima and Jeremy on a madcap adventure in the world''s most famous flying car! 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 Steve Antony, the creator of Mr Panda.

Se pare că toată lumea a uitat că azi e ziua Bursucului și se pregătește să participe la ceaiul organizat de hermină în pădure. Însă pe el nu l-a invitat nimeni... O poveste despre prietenie și magia zilelor de sărbătoare petrecute alături de cei dragi

It''s time to get busy with machines that race, vroom and zoom in this colourful vehicle adventure. There are sounds to mimic and an exciting job to get done A detailed spread on different parts of the vehicle will help children to understand what makes up the machines and will help familiarise them with vehicle vocabulary and noises.

"Hugo, Iván y Marcos construyen una cabaña, un castillo inexpugnable para el rey Hugo y sus soldados..."--P. [4] of cover.

The Tooth Fairy meets Santa. A funny rhyming story, with that feel-good Christmas factor! The winter wind blasted her this way and that. It blew up her knickers and blew off her hat. She shivered with cold from her ears to her toes, and an icicle grew on the end of her nose. It''s a snowy Christmas Eve and the Tooth Fairy has been blown off course. But who''s that dashing through the sky? It''s Santa to the rescue... From the Winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the illustrator of the bestselling The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas. The perfect Christmas gift!

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.

Tune into the Tractor Factor Talent Show! Dobbin the break-dancing carthorse and his farmyard friends face off for the trophy, but no one''s counting on a surprise late performer...

Next to his fast, beautiful and funny friends, Percy Plaice doesn''t feel very special. But when a nasty (and hungry!) shark arrives at the fish fair, the talents of Percy''s friends are no use at all! Using his skill of camouflage, Percy manages to hide his friends from the shark - and save the day! He''s Top Place Percy!Humorous story about bravery and friendshipWritten by popular children''s authorWith supporting notes for parents and teachers

''Start Reading'' is a reader development series for Key Stage 1 that closely follows the national curriculum and literacy strategy.