New Releases by Sally Grindley

Father Christmas, a sickly Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, an elf who gets locked in the workshop, the story of the birth of Jesus . . . the list goes on in this wonderful volume of stories for young readers all about Christmas. Lavishly illustrated throughout by a plethora of brilliant artists, including Sue Hellard, Michael Foreman, Eleanor Taylor and Ian Beck.

When her husband dies, Lu Si-yan''s mother is encouraged to sell her young daughter into domestic service. Lu Si-yan is just eleven when sold by her uncle. Nearly two years will pass before she can get back home to her mother and brother. In this powerful and compelling novel Sally Grindley portrays the life of a young girl in China, a young girl whose life is said to be like ''spilled water''. With a brilliant first-person narrative and a powerful description of time and place, this novel is gripping, heart-wrenching and utterly mesmerising.

The delightful story of Scruff, the under-appreciated talented, singing cat.

Nasty Captain Pepper orders his poor crew to help him find a pet. The crew try hippos, tigers, and monkeys, but will a very hungry snake be the perfect pirate pet?

Little Bear Charlie is lost at the fun fair. Where could he be? The Bear Detectives will track him down!

A celebrity pawballer is coming to the village to open the new stadium. It''s a very important day! Can the Bear Detectives make sure nothing goes wrong?

While touring an intriguing castle, the reader is warned not to wake the giant. Features lift-the-flap illustrations.

Max, un niño de nueve años, mantiene correspondencia con una famosa escritora llamada D. J. Lucas. Además aprovecha para escribir una obra de teatro que quiere representar en su colegio. Todo está bien, exceptuando una sola cosa: su madre, viuda, se ha vuelto a enamorar. ¿Hay diferentes clases de cariño para distintas personas? Una historia realista en la que se reflexiona sobre las relaciones familiares, el amor y la amistad sin perder el sentido del humor.

A powerful story of two brothers surviving on their own on the streets of an Indian city. Written by Sally Grindley, winner of the Gold Nestle Book Prize.

Figgy Twosocks, the fox, is curious. Just what is a friend for? Jefferson Bear helps her find the answer. Together they discover all of the special qualities that make up true friendship -- playing, sharing, helping -- and forgiving.

Now that author D.J. Lucas has been firmly established as nine-year-old Max''s favorite writer and his friend, their correspondence continues in this follow-up to "Dear Max." Illustrations.

One day a rather unpleasant giant called Mouldylocks decides it is time for him to find a good wife. He comes across three cottages - inhabited by three Clares - Great Big Clare, Tiny Wee Clare and Medium-sized Clare. He puts each of them to the test in turn. He discards Big Clare and Little Clare but decides that Medium-sized Clare is just right. There''s a twist in the tale though, when Medium-sized Clare decides that Mouldylocks is not at all right for her.

Tom is not happy that his younger sister, Alice, is starting kindergarten at his school and doesn''t understand why he has to share his school with his annoying little sister.

This is a book to celebrate the rose-tinted reality of a grand-parents love.

Mungus, the perfect monster, is given the task of teaching Emily how to be naughty, too.

Grandfather Bear thinks his cubs are so wonderful, he cannot imagine them being naughty even though pictures show the little mischief-makers having a pillow fight, snatching jam from the kitchen, and sneaking outside while they''re supposed to be in bed. Reprint. 15,000 first printing.

"A little girl skates for the first time, meeting Arctic animals in her imagination."

Captain Pepper''s demand that his three sailors find him an unusual pet has unexpected consequences.

The dream of becoming part of a family comes true for a homeless boy in Bethlehem when he is awakened in a manger to the loving reception of Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus on a blessed winter''s night many years ago.

Here''s a duck who''s into everything: cooking,sports,painting,gardening, The more fun she has, the muckier she gets! Finally it''s bath time. How long will it be before the duck and her boy are mucky all over again? Sure enough, not very long at all. This story featuring a boy and his very self- possessed duck is full of hilarious and delightful moments and details.

Boris the vulture sulks because he doesn''t like the food his parents eat or the games his friends play, and even a cuddle from his mother gives him a reason to fuss.

A magical collection of magical tales, chock-full of witches, princesses, princes, and fairies. Seven enchanting stories, set in such romantic faraway places as India, Egypt, Spain, and Japan, span the ages, taking in ancient folktales as well as contemporary offerings. Jewel-toned illustrations complement the works of such authors as Jane Yolen, Joan Aiken, and Vivian French.

For two little bear cubs, the idea of going outside is a scary one. Outside is big. Bigger even than their mum. But, as they soon discover, outside can be fun too. A short, easy to read text, with repetition and colourful illustrations.

Jefferson Bear and Figgy Twosocks - the best of friends! Since their first appearance in 1998, JB and Figgy have become firm favourites with children everywhere. Now the three delightful stories of these very special friends are collected together in one beautiful gift edition. Join JB and Figgy as they discover what friendship means, as they experience a sorrowful separation then a joyful reunion, and as a small fib teaches them the importance of trust and forgiveness. These heartwarming stories on important childhood themes each have a reassuring message to give, and the cast of animal characters, including Buncle the Badger and Hoptail the Squirrel, as well as Figgy and JB themselves, will delight all readers, young and old.

When Figgy is involved in the disappearance of Jefferson Bear''s favorite tickling stick, she is afraid to tell him what has happened, but he forgives her after she confesses.

A group of animal friends share a boat ride so that they will keep nice and clean on their way to Grey Donkey''s party.

Children''s literature continues to receive growing scholarly attention, and this is due, in part, to the increased awareness of the complexity of these works and their importance in the curriculum. While some books may become classics and continue to be read long after their publication, others are the product of contemporary society and reflect the changing values of modern American culture. So, too, those titles that have been singled out for recognition reveal the standards of awards committees. This reference is a guide to works of American children''s fiction that have won awards between 1995 and 1999. Some of the books were published before that period, and thus their recent recognition affirms their enduring value. Included are more than 750 alphabetically arranged entries for authors, titles, characters, and settings related to nearly 250 books. Entries for novels provide plot summaries and critical commentary, while those for authors give biographical information. The volume demonstrates the growing number of multicultural novels and books about nontraditional families, while it also shows the continuing importance of historical fiction and the waning appeal of traditional adventure novels. While the volume will be valuable to librarians and teachers and to scholars of children''s literature, it will also be useful to anyone interested in these works as a commentary on American culture at the close of the twentieth century.