European comic books: general, classic, all ages – The Bell Bookshop

Asterix in Lusitania

Emma — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

On 23rd October MMXXV there will be a new album of adventures for the most famous of Gauls: Asterix in Lusitania!
One beautiful spring morning, a stranger appears in the Gaulish village. He’s from Lusitania, the sun-drenched land to the west of Hispania which is also under the Roman Empire’s thumb. This former slave, who first featured in The Mansions of the Gods, has come to ask our indomitable Gauls for help because he knows about the Magic Potion and its powerful effects. And so begins another adventure for Asterix and Obelix!

Wildful

Emma — Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Poppy's mother hasn't been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the sofa. So maybe that's why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighbourhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten wood that's been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wild - if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer - and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she's seen, and asks her to come see, too - but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the house.

The cat and the king

Emma — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nick Sharratt’s fabulously funny debut novel is now available in paperback.

The Cat and the King tells the story of a gentle, unworldly King and his very clever cat, and is illustrated throughout in two colours with Nick’s irresistible wit and humour.

The cat and the King must find a new home after their castle burns down in an Unfortunate Incident with a dragon.

They choose Number 37 Castle Close, and the cat introduces the King to all sorts of new experiences, from washing-up to shopping.

Then danger looms when the pesky, fire-breathing dragon makes its return.

Nick Sharratt is the fabulously talented author and illustrator of bestselling hilarious picture books such as
- Ketchup on Your Cornflakes
- Don’t Put Your Finger in the Jelly, Nellie
- Moo-cow, Kung-fu-cow
this is Nick Sharratt’s first chapter book EVER!
illustrated throughout in two-colour
easy to read text – perfect for children learning to read

PRAISE FOR THE CAT AND THE KING:

“A majestic treat”, Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week 2016

“Nick Sharratt’s debut novel is an entertaining mix of familiar experience and fairy-tale fantasy underscored by a thread of anarchic humour. This is a beautifully-presented storybook, in which the fabulous illustrations are as integral as the text, and will appeal to adults as well as independent readers.” – BookTrust

PRAISE FOR THE SECOND BOOK, NICE WORK FOR THE CAT AND THE KING

In this second book about the long-suffering, loyal cat and the well-meaning but somewhat ineffectual King, there are plenty of laughs and brilliant illustrative detail (the department store is particularly lovely) from Nick Sharratt, whose recognisable illustration is such a favourite with children.

A heavily illustrated short novel for early readers, it’s a perfect book for younger ones that want something a bit longer than a picture book but still love silly humour and a great, well-written concept. – BookTrust

Cat Kid Comic Club. Influencers

Emma — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

**The perfect present for Dog Man fans – starring some of your favourite characters from the series!**

Excitement grips the Cat Kid Comic Club as Li’l Petey, Flippy and Molly inspire twenty-one baby frog siblings to continue making authentic and unique comics. Will Naomi and Melvin keep up their antics, or will they finally decide to straighten up and fly right? Will the creativity continue? Will the drama diminish? Find out in the next Cat Kid Comic Club!

The story is hysterical, thought-provoking and full of action-packed mini-comics including “Frogzilla vs. Mechafrogzilla” and “RoboChubbs.” “Two Birds” shows the value of viewing the world with a positive attitude.

Award-winning author and illustrator Dav Pilkey employs a variety of techniques – including: acrylic paints, coloured pencils, photography, collage, gouache, watercolours and more – to capture the joyful spirit of creativity. The variety of art styles, paired with Pilkey’s trademark storytelling and humour, inspires imagination and innovation for readers of all ages.

Cat Kid Comic Club was a New York Times Number One bestseller week commencing 08/12/2021

Readers of all ages will be inspired to dream up their own stories and unleash their own creativity as they dive into this pioneering graphic novel adventure from Dav Pilkey
Heartfelt and humorous with an amazing cast of characters
Full colour pages throughout make it a fun and bright read!

The destruction of Pompeii, AD 79

Emma — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A bold graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis’s bestselling I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Dave Shephard.

The beast beneath the mountain is restless…

No one in the bustling city of Pompeii worries when the ground trembles beneath their feet. The beast under the mountain Vesuvius, high above the city, wakes up angry sometimes – and always goes back to sleep.

But Marcus is afraid. He knows something is terribly wrong – and his father, who trusts science more than mythical beasts, agrees. When Vesuvius explodes into a huge cloud of ash and rocks that fall from the sky like rain, will they have time to escape – and survive the epic destruction of Pompeii?

Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series
These graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that’s sure to keep any reader turning the pages.
Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.

Cowgirls and dinosaurs

Emma — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A Wild West-set graphic novel for young readers who love crime fighting, gutsy girls – and dinosaurs! Perfect for fans of the Hilda and Lumberjanes series.In the town of Little Spittle, there are cowgirls, dinosaurs and crime-busting adventures! Abigail, who has always dreamed of becoming a sheriff’s deputy, lives on the outskirts of town with her pet dinosaur, Rootbeer. Meanwhile, Clementine, daughter of the sheriff, was born into the life of fighting crime.But when the Bandit Queen gets hold of some strange, dark magic, it’s up to Clem, Abigail and Rootbeer to team up, defeat the Bandit Queen and save their beloved town from bandits, dinomagik and undercover attacks.In a hilarious tale of two unlikely friends, Clem and Abigail show us how bravery comes in many forms, and working together makes an unstoppable team – all while on an action-packed adventure in an incredible setting!

The little wooden robot and the log princess

Emma — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

* Winner of the Foyles Children’s Book of the Year ** New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year *When the log princess goes missing her brother, the little wooden robot, sets out on an epic adventure to find her. He will encounter goblins, magic puddings, a mushroom queen and a very intimidating wood pile as he seeks to bring his sister home.The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess is an exquisitely illustrated modern fairytale about sibling love. Tom Gauld brings all of his wit, draghtsmanship and narrative craft to a funny, moving tale that proves that woodlice can be heroes too.The New York Times review: “one of the best picture books I’ve read this year. It’s a cabinet of curiosities in a clockwork castle… it’s a funny, twisty, heartfelt yarn.” -Ben HatkeThe Irish Times review: “The narrative is full of surprises […] but it is Gauld’s detailed, textured illustrations that will draw a young reader’s attention back to this wonderful book again and again.”[The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess was Foyles Children’s Book of the Year in 2021]

Asterix and the white iris

Emma — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The latest adventure from our indomitable hero and his friends!

A strange new philosophy is gaining popularity amongst the Roman soldiers, spearheaded by the charismatic Isivertuus. When its enchanting influence reaches the Gauls, everything they once held dear is turned upside down.

As news of the dire situation reaches Asterix and Obelix, they embark on a thrilling quest to confront Isivertuus and restore the indomitable spirit of the Gauls. Armed with their trademark humour, bravery, and trusty magic potion, can our heroic duo save the Chief’s wife and break the spell of the White Iris?

Goblin Monday

Emma — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A brand new Goosebumps series is coming?prepare to be scared like never before!

From the delightfully twisted mind of R.L. Stine comes a fresh new vision for the fan-favorite brand.

Mario Galagos is joining his best friends Todd and Jewel on their annual holiday visit to snowy Vermont. Everything looks picture perfect at first. But then Mario finds a small statue of a strange, ugly creature in the garden and brings it inside. Little does he know the stone creature is actually a real, live goblin. By bringing it inside, Mario has just started a war with all of its hideous goblin friends!

This exciting new Goosebumps series will have the same humor and terrifying tone that millions of readers love, but will be bigger, bolder, funnier, and scarier!
Goosebumps is soon to be a major Apple TV series
The perfect spooky read for 8+ readers