After a cold, dark winter, doors opened. Children spilled out like sweets from a box. Amanda was last one out of the tower block. She brought some chalk with her. On every inch of the concrete outside, the children drew pictures of everything they could think of, from flowers and snails, to spaceships and queens. Before long, a beautiful and exotic garden spread out across the concrete.
Rumor has it that Rose’s neighbor, Mr. Wintergarten, has a pet crocodile. Rumor has it he eats children. So when Rose’s ball flies over his fence, she’s scared to retrieve it. But when she bravely sets out to go where no child has gone before, she discovers the startling truth about her he’s friendly! Bob Graham’s illustrations add humor and vitality to a story that shows how very deceiving appearances can be.
Mystery in the Mail
A family engages in a year-long journey of completing a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle, starting in winter and progressing through the seasons. As autumn approaches, they realize one piece is missing, prompting a trip to the local dump in search of it. Their adventure leads them to discover forgotten treasures like letters and photos, highlighting themes of nostalgia and the passage of time, while the quest for the elusive puzzle piece becomes a metaphor for the connections and memories they cherish.
"Oh, let's do it!" say Kitty and Katy and Mum when a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle mysteriously arrives in the post. "I have time on my hands," agrees Dad. Starting in winter with the edges, by autumn they're almost done, only to discover that one piece is missing. Mum is sure that it must have accidentally gone out with the rubbish, so the Kellys pile into the car to comb through the local tip ("shouldn't take long"). There they uncover forgotten letters, train tickets, discarded newspapers, and old photos yellow with age, but finding the missing piece is starting to seem like wishful thinking. "Let's wish, then," says Katy. As in all of Bob Graham's work, the beauty here is in the details, with visual perspectives that offer a bird's-eye view or take us underfoot, wordless sequences letting us in on a secret. Is it sheer luck - or perhaps the power of hope - that creates an ending to the story?
Max has a new baby sister - Maxine! Max is there for her first words, her first steps and her first flight! But as Maxine grows up and starts school, she doesn't feel like she quite fits in. In fact, she's not sure if she feels comfortable in her superhero guise at all. Can Maxine convince her family that not all superheroes wear capes?
(Learn to Read, Diversity for Kids, Multiculturalism & Tolerance)
Through Rhoda the Alligator's adventures, children learn vital lessons about self-love, respect, and the value of friendship. The story also showcases the beauty and significance of national parks, encouraging young readers to appreciate nature. Rhoda's experiences serve as engaging examples that foster personal growth and environmental awareness in children.
No friendship is imaginary. When Ellie is very little, she finds a newborn dragon fresh from the egg on a supermarket shelf, and calls him Scratch. He is quite the sweetest thing she has ever seen! From that day on, Ellie and Scratch do everything together. Ellie's mum and her teacher can't see her fiery friend, but all her friends can and, over the years, Ellie's dragon grows to be big, house-trained, and very affectionate. And Ellie is growing, too
The story continues with April and Esme, the charming tooth fairies, embarking on a new whimsical adventure. Their journey promises to be filled with enchanting experiences and delightful challenges, showcasing the creativity and imagination that captivated readers in the previous installment. This sequel invites readers to explore the magical world of tooth fairies through the eyes of its tiny heroines.
The narrative captivates with its imaginative possibilities, encouraging readers to embrace the unexpected. Vibrant and dynamic artwork complements the story, creating an engaging experience for children. The blend of high hopes and creativity fosters a sense of belief in the extraordinary.
From the multi-award winning Bob Graham comes a romantic, hopeful and exquisitely-illustrated story, perfect for giving as a gift to the one that you love. It's 1830 in County Kerry, Ireland, and a gold ring is thrown into the wind by a young woman on a black horse... And as the seasons pass, and then the years, the little treasure finds itself on the most astonishing journey, finally settling at the bottom of a deep sea. Will the ring, inscribed with “love never dies”, ever fulfil its destiny, and find the finger of a woman truly loved?