Skylar’s old friends felt sorry for her but they were too afraid to talk to her.

Yakov’s old friends were far away, blown across continents by war . . .

When Skylar meets Yakov she is still reeling from the news of her grandfather’s stroke. Yakov is just desperate to go home. They recognise something in each other: a need for friendship, but something else fizzy beneath the surface. A refusal to accept what life has dealt them; a reckless desire to change things up for the better.

So when there’s a competition to own nearby Golden Island, it’s no surprise they want it.

But how can two children possibly win an island? And what will they risk to call it their own?

Exquisitely told, with compassion and empathy: an unmissable, life-affirming novel from the inimitable Natasha Farrant.

On the top of the hill, overlooking the sea, that’s where you’ll find a magical place . . .

To Bea and Raffy, Ravenwood is home. In its own way, the house rescued them, even if it did have a fallen-down tree taking up most of the kitchen. So the idea that it could be sold. Demolished even. Well, that’s unthinkable. Then again, it’s not like the children get a choice. But the truth is, we can all make our own choices, especially if we care enough . . .

A beautiful, soulful, exciting story about holding onto what’s precious, and guarding the extraordinary nature that surrounds us.

‘A triumph.’ The Times
‘A captivating feat of storytelling.’ The Sunday Times
‘A moving and compelling adventure.‘ BookTrust
‘One of my very favourite authors.’ Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
‘One of the most accomplished children’s writers around triumphs again.’ Waterstones

Olive’s best friend is a four-hundred-year-old oak tree, and it is in danger. As she tumbles into its magic world, she makes it a promise. From deep roots to high branches, a Persian garden to an underwater forest, from tulip trees to wild apple to vengeful box, she listens to the trees telling stories for all time. And she keeps her promise.

With a conservation message and facts about tree science alongside the magic and wonder of seven beautifully imagined original stories, this full-colour gift book enchants and reminds us of the importance of trees in our lives.

‘Terrific and inspirational’ Irish Times

THE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR

The second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.

In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti’s horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiancé . . .

Just as they think they’ve found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan – to cross the Channel on Ben’s narrowboat and find Sam. And there’s something in France that Lotti is looking for, too . . .

Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home.

‘One of the most compelling, joyous, tearjerking and delightful reads of the year.’ The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week

‘Empowering, rollicking, wistful and joyful.’ Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks’ War

‘Magnificent odyssey . . . a rich and rewarding read . . . it deserves prizes.’ New Statesman

‘A wonderful adventure.’ Piers Torday, author of The Frozen Sea

‘Fast-paced and fascinating.’ BookTrust

‘Compelling.’ The Scotsman

‘Wonderful.’ The Week Junior

‘Impossible to put down.’ LoveReading4Kids

‘Exciting adventure.’ Just Imagine

‘Highly recommended.’ Books for Keeps

When Alice Mistlethwaite is shipped off to boarding school in Scotland it’s nothing like she imagines. Run by the mysterious Major, there are no punishments and the students are more likely to be taught about body painting or extreme survival than maths or English!

Then Alice’s dad goes missing and she must run away to find him. Can she persuade her new friends to help?

So begins an epic quest across wild Scottish highlands and islands, where friendships will be made and broken, lies will be untangled and the children will face danger and excitement at every turn . . .

Both hilarious and heartfelt, this is the classic adventure story brought bang up to date, and told in Natasha’s inimitable voice.

‘Thrilling adventure.’ The Times

‘This wise and touching novel has originality and a fresh voice.’ Sunday Times

‘A gripping adventure . . . I stayed up all night reading it!’ Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse

There are fights and crying fits. Halloween parades gone wrong and secret graffiti artists. Confusing friendships and life-changing choices. But there is also laughter and above all, there is love – and that’s what being a family is all about.

Bluebell’s life is chaotic: Mum and Dad are always away, the new babysitter has no idea what he’s doing, and the whole family is trying to get used to life without Iris.

There are tears and tantrums. Pregnant pets and broken windows. Boys next door and friends turned enemies. But there is also laughter and most importantly, there is love – and that’s what being a family is all about.

It’s hard being the normal one in such a crazy family.

Bluebell, Twig and Jas have been sent to stay with Grandma for the summer. The countryside is how Bluebell remembers it – full of fun and adventure. But this year, it feels different somehow.

There is sobbing and shouting. There are cantering horses and night-time dares. Confusing boys and grandmas to look after. But there is also laughter and more than this, there is love – and that’s what being a family is all about.