Chickens are not just any regular bird. They are smart, friendly, cuddly and incredibly soft! And if they like you, they might just follow you around. One sunny day while visiting Grandpa, Julie and Bob go out to the yard to see the chickens that live in the little wooden house. Brown feathered Lola, silvery Lulu, and Marvin the noisy rooster are all puttering around. But where is Lottie? She’s nestled cozily in the nest box caring for her eggs. Will Julie and Bob see the adorable chicks hatch before their trip to Grandpa’s is over? Join these siblings as they learn fascinating facts about one of the world’s most beloved farm animals.

One day, Anna’s friend Zane sends her an invitation: Come to tea tomorrow! This is the way to my home. Love, Zane. Inside the envelope, there’s a MAP. Anna soon decides to make a map of her own, too … and before long, Dad and even Whiskers the cat are in on the fun. From routes to symbols, point of view and scale, join Anna and her dad as they explore the wonderful world of maps – with words by Vivian French, storyteller extraordinaire, and delightful pictures by rising star Ya-Ling Huang.

Pippin Potts is a helpful boy, which is exactly what forgetful wizard Abacus Peridot is looking for in an assistant who can help him get to the Wizards’ Centenary Banquet, so that he can be the hundredth wizard to arrive and win the golden cup. On their journey the pair soon bump into evil wizard Boldways Grime and mischievous elf Kitty Scarper who are secretly plotting against them. But Pippin is determined. With help from the magical Ms Latterly Pot and trusty crow Mavis, can Pippin guide Master Abacus through the Nine Hen Hills, cross the Rumbling Rocks and pass the Neverending Forest in time to win the golden cup? Vivian French’s funny and uplifting story is brought to life by Marta Kissi’s warm illustrations – the result is a charming book that’s not to be missed!

After a series of misfortunes, Minnie O’Sullivan is whisked away to Haddington Hall: a nightmarish home for wayward girls. Bad becomes worse when the hall’s ruthless founder, Mrs Haddington, takes an instant dislike to brave, determined Minnie, and she’s in danger of losing everything? But Minnie has never backed down from a fight in her life, and she’s not about to start now! Irresistible characters and a compulsive plot with twists aplenty; Vivian French conjures up the very spirit of Dickensian England in a wonderful new novel for middle-grade readers.

“Vivian French is a writer of tremendous charm.” Literary Review

“Delightful ? with its edge-of-your-seat pace, it deserves applause.” Sunday Times (Children’s Book of the Week) on The Steam Whistle Theatre Company

“Storytelling at its best ? a classic in the making.” The Scotsman on The Steam Whistle Theatre Company

From much-loved author Vivian French and award-winning illustrator Catherine Rayner comes a charming new Nature Storybook about horses. Hello, Horse! gently introduces young children to Shannon, a friendly chestnut mare, and offers encouragement to children unfamiliar with or a little nervous of these large, beautiful creatures. The subtext is packed with practical tips, such as the right way to offer an apple, and also covers their behaviour – horses’ need for company, for example – and life cycle. Tender words and art combine to create a warm and witty introduction to horses … from the safety of the page!

Watch a caterpillar metamorphose into a butterfly in this fun, informative, award-winning picture book, part of the Nature Storybooks series. Curious young minds will love discovering each stage in the journey, from wriggly green caterpillar to the beautiful butterfly, in this picture book which combines story with information.