New Releases by Vivian French

From scrapes to scratches, head bumps to bruises, learn all about the basics of first aid with Nikki and Enzo. Nikki and Enzo are playing a game about accidents . . . LOTS of accidents. When Nikki’s dinosaur crashes into the train station and bumps his head, Enzo’s mom, who’s a doctor, introduces the two children to some simple first aid, like wrapping ice in a cloth and holding it to the bump. As the game continues, more casualties are discovered (or averted) thanks to Mom’s practical advice on things like nosebleeds, allergies, sick stomachs, water safety, and how to get help quickly in an emergency. With a running narrative from prolific storyteller Vivian French, useful tips scattered throughout, and friendly illustrations by Anna Simeone, this charming story—kicking off the First Skills series—will keep young children engaged and serve as a valuable teaching tool for parents and teachers.

"One day, Anna's friend Zane sends her an invitation to come over to play, and inside the envelope is a map. But why is Zane's house in the middle and Anna's on the edge? Anna decides to make her own map, and before long, Dad and even Whiskers the cat are in on the fun. From routes to scale, symbols, and points of view, join Anna and her dad as they explore the wonderful world of maps!"--

Book Band: Lime - Ideal for ages 7+ A quirky school comedy from Vivian French. Perfect for fans of Wigglesbottom Primary and Kes Grey's Daisy books. When Dan gets into trouble at school for being untidy, he teams up with his best friend Billy to find out who's throwing his lunchbox on the floor. With chalk fingerprints and missing sardine sandwiches as clues, Detective Dan is on the case! This humorous mystery from award-winning author Vivian French has appealing black-and-white illustrations by Daniel Duncan and is perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with brilliant books to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2, with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence covering a wide range of genres and topics. With charming illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for reading both in the classroom and at home. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com. 'Patrice Lawrence, Tony Bradman, Margaret Mahy, Joan Aiken, Andrew Fusek Peters, Michaela Morgan, Geraldine McCaughrean and Narinder Dhami: any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed.' - Books for Keeps on the Bloomsbury Readers series

Do you like chips Oliver does, in fact, he won't eat anything else - until he plays a game with his grandpa.Whatever vegetable Oliver finds in the garden, he must eat. On Monday, he pulls up carrots, on Tuesday, it is spinach . . .This is an excellent book for parents with slightly fussy children and it introduces the days of the week. Other titles in this series:Oliver's Fruit SaladOliver's Milkshake

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he's been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his uncle, aunt and cousin Prune. But Sam's about to discover a magical scroll listing the six quests he must complete to become a knight ... and with Prune's help, he's already managed three of them! Now he has to earn his very own knightly shield. Prune knows where to go for armour: Puddlewink Castle! But before they can cross the drawbridge they're stopped by a terrifying creature. Will Sam's knightly dreams end here?

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he's been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt, uncle and cousin Prune while his parents are away. But Sam's discovered a magical scroll listing the six quests to be completed to become a knight, and with his True Companion Prune's help, he's already managed two! Now Sam must find a goodly sword, but he keeps getting distracted by noble deeds that need doing. Helping a grumpy dwarf, a dunderheaded bear and an island of tiny elves might mean he'll never find his sword, but isn't that what a Very Noble Knight would do ...?

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he's been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt, uncle and annoying cousin Prune while his parents are away. But Sam's discovered an ancient scroll listing the six quests to be completed in order to become a knight, and he's already completed the first one! Now he's found his True Companion (Prune), next on the list is to track down a Snow White Steed. But when Aunt Egg orders Sam and Prune to journey to Weasel's Hill to deliver Horace the warthog back to his owner, it looks like the young knight-in-training looks will have to put his quest on hold. Or will he ...?

A funny, exciting series for younger readers, by the bestselling Vivian French and David Melling. Sam J. Butterbiggins' only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem - he's been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt and uncle while his parents are away. Not only does he have to put up with his annoying cousin Prune, there are also the weird creatures his aunt looks after in her Luxury Accommodation for Dragons, Griffins and other Regal Beasts to contend with! But when Godfrey the dragon gets stuck down a well, Sam and Prune have to work together to come to the rescue. Inside the well they make an incredible discovery - a scroll giving instructions on the six quests to be completed in order to become the perfect knight! Sam's ambition seems close at hand - if only Prune would stop getting in the way...

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Basma has been wondering a lot about love. What is it like? Does it have a shape or a colour or a taste? Is it like a coat or a jumper or a shawl? Or is it like a warm woolly hat? This charming new Early Reader story from the United Arab Emirates will be enjoyed by everyone, parents and children alike - and in particular fans of GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU.

The web of power looks smooth and peaceful — until a new threat looms — in the fifth tale from the Five Kingdoms. Prince Albion expects a unique occasion when he starts planning Cockenzie Rood Day to celebrate his kingdom — and himself. What he doesn’t expect is boppings on the head and kidnapping, all because a zombie wants to play his fiddle in the talent contest. With a misbehaving path, a romantic bat, and a greedy butler to set them on their way, Gracie Gillypot and Prince Marcus are off on their fifth adventure. It’s up to a Trueheart, a resourceful prince, and Gubble the troll to stop the zombie before he does some giant damage to the Five Kingdoms.

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. When naughty Wizz Bee and Buzz Bee come home without any honey, Queen Bee is very cross. Can they cheer her up with a story?

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Down in the Jungle it's time for bed, but Monkey wants a story, and he sets off to find one in this charming, funny story, perfect for early readers.

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. It's all quiet at the pet shop at the end of the day, but the animals want to have some fun - who wants a story?

Morris is ginger and very fat. He’s a cat who loves snoozing and eating... but that won’t catch him a mouse. Another lively story for beginner readers about this lovable puss.

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Jason and his little sister Daisy B go shopping, help wash the car, and splash about in the bath.

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Poor lost Kitten. He doesn't have a name or a home to call his own. All he wants is to find a warm and cosy place where someone will love him. Will anyone help this little kitten?

"A romp filled with language play and just plain nonsense. . . . Everyone gets his, her, or its due; goodness is rewarded; and evil punished oh-so-wickedly."– The Horn Book High above the mountain village of Fracture, trouble is brewing. The sorceress Lady Lamorna wants a skull-studded gown of deep black velvet, but her treasure chest is empty of gold. That doesn’t stop her, however, from kidnapping, blackmailing, and using more than a little magic to get what she needs. Will her plans be foiled by the heroic Gracie Gillypot, two chatty bats, a gallant (if scruffy) prince, the wickedest stepsister ever, a troll with a grudge, and some very ancient crones?

Hold on to your head for the funny and fast-paced second Tale from the Five Kingdoms, a follow-up to THE ROBE OF SKULLS. (Age 8 and up) When the quill writes GO GO GO frantically on the wall, and the House of the Ancient Crones heaves Gracie Gillypot outside onto the path, it can mean only one thing: there’s Trouble in the Five Kingdoms. This time it’s in the form of a beady-eyed, green-tongued witch named Truda Hangnail, who with her banished Deep Magic has vowed to succeed Queen Bluebell on the throne. Now that her horrible spell has shrunk the good witches of Wadington to the size of, well, rats, can anything stop her? Will the strengths, smarts, and charms of a spunky trueheart, a sweet-natured orphan, a scruffy prince, a substantial troll, and two squabbling bats be enough to foil her insidious plot?

While helping Grandma in the garden, a child learns about the important role of the earthworm in helping plants grow.

Gracie Gillypott and Prince Marcus embark on a dwarf-watching outing, not knowing that the dwarves are working frantically making crowns for a royal wedding and that they have enlisted some unreliable trolls to help them, thus putting the humans' expedition in peril.

Princess Olivia is chosen to demonstrate the best way to cross a puddle by stepping on a prince's cape—with a real, live prince. But the jealous Diamonde isn't going to let Olivia outshine her. . . .

During a field trip to the Museum of Royal Life, Princess Alice is blamed for breaking the case that holds Cinderella's glass slipper.

Princess Daisy is afraid to ride the merry-go-round at King Percival's Royal Carnival Party, but if she is going to be a perfect princess, she must try to overcome her fear.

Princess Charlotte's first day at Silver Towers isn't going as planned. She's come to the wrong door, she can't find her friends, and it's starting to rain! Then Charlotte finds a magical rose lying in a puddle. . . .

As Princess Sophia and her friends design and create their own ball gowns for the Princess Academy Surprise, a group of snobs led by Princess Perfecta plots to ruin them.

Princess Alice determines to take responsibility when she causes another princess to drop and shatter a vase during the school's preparation for the term garden party.

A timid young princess is afraid of dragons until she sees one for herself, then has the opportunity to prove her newfound courage to the entire school.

A new series of short fiction for newly independent readers. Each story is between 300 and 500 words long, and together the books offer a range of genres, from humor to adventure, and from mystery to fantasy.

How is Gran going to get rid of the mouse in her house? With a black and white cat? Or with a big, spotty dog? What Gran really needs is a dear little flea This series covers a range of genres to support literacy requirements.